Originally Posted by
luana
I think I am missing something. If you use the start/stop button, don't your hands (or a finger) need to leave your work while you reach for it? Especially when I am FMQ, I like both hands on my work when the machine starts, so I use the pedal. When I applique I need both hands on my work and sometimes go one stitch at a time, so I use the pedal. I am very interested in the advantages of the start/stop button because lots of you use it, and I don't want to miss out.
You do need to use a finger to stop, but it's so fast and you get used to it so easily, that it's fine. Most of us don't stitch 90 miles an hour, anyway. As for the stitching one stitch at a time, I learned that if you hold the start/stop button in, it will do just that, stitch one stitch at a time very slowly. I think the confusion lies with people thinking that if you take one hand off of your work that it will get away from you. It doesn't. There is a sliding speed control on these machines so you find the speed you're comfortable sewing at, and that's how fast it stitches..up to you.
The main benefit I get from it is comfort. I can sew with my feet on a footstool, or my legs crossed, whatever position is best for my back. I don't get the back aches and neck strain that I used to get. I was skeptical at first, but now I can never see myself going back to a foot pedal...it is just an unnatural way to have to sit. I suggest going to a sewing center with a quilt sandwich, and try out one of the demo machines.