I love the stop/start button on my Janome! I only use it, though, for doing long seams (like piecing backing or putting on borders) and when I piece batting together. It really helps with those straight seams. I love the way I can also set the speed on my Janome...slow enough so I can snag the pins before the needle gets them and keep the batting going through straight, but I can make it fast enough that don't get bored watching each stitch being made!