mhollifiel

I intentionally moved my foot pedal to the left last year. After a while it was really natural and simplified the presser foot knee lift which I "knee" with my right. My husband put some of that sticky stuff you can apply to the bottom of scatter rugs to keep them in place on the bottom of my Bernina foot pedal and it keeps the foot pedal in one place. Now I can sew without any glitches other than the ones that require seam rippers. I have three of them right by the machine!

MacThayer

I used to drive a stick shift, as in from the time I started driving until I was 40. Plus I spent a year in England, bought a stick shift over there (no, not thinking) so I had to do everything backwards: drive from the left hand side of the car, shift with my right hand -- backwards -- gears are exactly backwards. Brake, clutch and gas are backwards. Even turn signals and windshield wipers are on the opposite side. The Brits never understood that when my windshield wipers started wiping, I was about to turn or change lanes! After a year of that, I swear I can do anything with either arm or leg. Bring it on!!!

If you want to do it, all you need is a little practice.

Cheers!

tsnana2000

I use my right knee for the knee lift lever and my left foot for the pedal. Felt awkward at first, but now I am used to it.

nstitches4u

I have a Janome 6600 also. I cut a piece of styrofoam "pool noodle" to fit over the end of my knee lever. That brings it a little farther to the left and therefore easier to reach with my knee.

chuckbere15

At the beginning, I took my foot off of my foot pedal until I got the hang of things and now I love it it and can't imagine not having it. I went to a class and forgot my knee lift and I was lost.

seasaw2mch

I got one but have never even thought about it much less used it. So I guess it's just one of those things I don't need.

bobquilt3

The Bernina 820 automatically raises the foot just enough to pivot every time you stop. It is a very nice feature and I really like it.

katesnanna

I have been using my left foot for sewing for the past 8 years. The teacher we had at the time told us about it then Alex Anderson had a chiropractor on Simply Quilts. She said the same thing, it's good for your back. I know when I first starting doing it, it felt strange but after a couple of weeks my back did feel better. It is just second nature to me now and I know I can sit longer than I could when I sewed with my right foot.

QM

I have had a knee lift with both my old Bernina and my current Janome and only tried it a time or 5 as it really bothered me. On the other hand, my Janome has hand controls (start/stop etc. buttons). After a short trial period, I found I loved it. It is hugely easier on my bum knees. Not every invention helps each of us. Does your dealer have a suggestion? Actually my Bernina dealer was not particularly helpful, whereas my Janome dealer will trouble shoot forme over the phone. Not all dealers (of any brand) are equally helpful.

lonestardreams

I love the knee lift and have just started using my left foot with the foot pedal. It's a little awkward but I'm liking it. I think I will get used to the left foot thing without too much trouble.

I have found that the knee lift on my Brother machine is easier than the one on my Bernina. It feels like it's closer? Not sure and did ask my dealer. I didn't follow up with it but I think I should to make it better for stitching with my Bernina machine.