I don't know if it was common to even attempt this back in the time when most machines ran by treadle, but I stumbled onto this video and my jaw dropped. It reminds me of the times I was asked as a child, "Can you rub your tummy and pat your head at the same time?" AND she says she's a beginner!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkXJxVQHiJI
I recently got a Singer 66 with a hand crank, and I was thinking that the way to try FMQ would be to get DH, or anyone else who might be willing, to do the cranking! It wouldn't be the usual thing, as long as other machines in the house work, but maybe in a power outage...
By the way, this Youtube user, Lizzie Lenard, has a number of other excellent how-to videos for vintage Singer enthusiasts. She uses good lighting, a steady camera, clear sound and detailed explanations.