Absolutely! That is why I bought this machine, I am pedal free!

I have leg issues and this feature was why I could continue machine piecing and quilting.

I never unpacked mine either!

I also have 2 Brother machines and a White and I use them all for different things. I always use the stop/start button. It's soooo much easier to control your speed. I have ddd do it's a lot easier on my back too.

I don't have the start stop feature on my machine, but due to a wonderful tip from the board, I've turned my foot pedal backwards and press with my heel. I seem to have more speed control and less trouble keeping track of the pedal.

I wore my first Janome out before I knew I could use the stop/start button for regular sewing. I just used it for embroidery. Now I have two more, and I have never used the foot pedal for either. I always had trouble keeping the foot pedal where I could reach it. I tried everything to keep it in place but nothing worked. Love the start/stop button.

Wow, I thought I'd been around sewing machines for a long time, but I've never seen a knee lever power control....and I learned on a treadle. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. I actually think I would like that the best.[/quote]
Wish I had them now--much better than the alternatives!

My baby Lock grace has that feature I got that machine for my 6 year old to learn to quilt on.. She uses the button, too little yet to reach the foot petal.. lol..

I don't use the knee control to lift the presser foot either. I have two still wrapped in plastic.

I use my foot pedal for piecing and the start/stop button when I attach strips and quilt. I back tack when I piece and it is just easier to do that with the pedal. I probably don't need the back tack, some habits are just hard to break.

I've never used the start/stop button. I don't think I'd like it as I like to keep both hands on my work and also I like to be able to adjust the speed as I sew, if I need. I have learnt to use either foot though, which is handy if I want to use the knee lifter for the presser foot.