My Babylock and both of my Janome's have the knee bar to lift the presser foot. I have never used them when sewing...only to change the presser foot. Just goes the show that what is important to one person is not important to another.....different strokes.....
The cheapest real Bernina (The Burnette line is not made by Bernina and is not of the same quality.) is the 215 and is on sale with a coupon for $700.
Originally Posted by
cjunger
If you intend to do any machine applique, Bernina has a feature that I can't do without. Its a leg lift that lifts the presser foot so you can have both hands on your applique piece and turn it without taking your hand off the project. Also they are wonderful machines. I have 4 different kinds of Bernina. Two just do a basic straight stitch and a zigzag. They do a great piecing stitch and also a zigzag. It depends on how many extras you want as to the price you will pay. The very basic machine I paid $125. They have a bunch on e-bay--all prices.