I was just yesterday thinking about asking this same question. I have to sew barefoot or in my stocking feet. I need to feel the pedal otherwise I just don't feel I have enough control. It works for me. I try to be very careful about the pins. My 2 yr. old GD like to be in my sewing room and I would feel terrible if she got stuck. Although I have to watch her around my pincushion. She's fascinated with the colorful little tops. Wants to take each one out and put it back in again. With each one she says " it give me owie?" It's like a game to her. But, I watch her so carefully when she is in my "ROOM" . I never leave her alone in there. Accidents happen to quickly and there are so many things in there she could get an "owie" on.