Yes, I think you could get better control with a different foot. Here's the replacement foot we regularly use at the shop: FOOT CONTROL Singer 1116 2662 with 771 cord -- part #072963 ($33.90). Another one, without the cord: part #6092FC -- FOOT CONTROL Electronic Large ($31.80). They're both plastic, so don't add to the beauty of the machine. But they work pretty good.