I use the on/off switch all the time. I have been doing FMQ for a year now and find that it works better for me. I adjust the speed and go. I have to be constant with the movement of the quilt. Of course I have to be constant when using the pedal! Just works better for me.

I just can't believe this board!!!!! No matter what I need help on it seems it pops up at just the right time. This morning I posted the following:

Dag nabbit....one of these days I am going to get the hang of this...LOL. I ALWAYS use my "start/stop" button on my Janome 6600. This might be a dumb question but can I/do any of you use the S/S button when you do Free Motion Quilting?

I need all all the help I can get. Thank you! Pat

Then when I came on to look for answers someone referred me to this active post. Thank you all so much for the input. I agree with those of you that like using the Start/Stop button. I have never used my foot pedal since I got my machine in '09. I have made several attempts to FMQ - always with the S/S button but thought maybe I should be using the pedal - UGH! I do lots of Stitch In The Ditch with no trouble but haven't gotten good enough with the FMQ to feel comfortable doing it on a quilt. I guess it is like they say - practice - practice - practice.

I am off to do that right now (with my S/S button...LOL. I just love this board - everyone is so helpful and so willing to help everyone else.

Thank you so much for starting this thread. It is something that I have always wondered about (using the start/stop). I use my button all the time so when I do use the foot pedal it takes a while getting adjusted to it and then I have to use it bare or stocking footed so I can feel like I have some control. It is fun to see how we all have different methods to try and achieve the same end result.

I have tried to use the off/on button, but I panic when it doesn't shut off as soon as I think it should. So I use the foot petal because I think I have more control. I'd like to have some lessons on using the off/on button but for now, I think I'm too set in my ways and use the foot control.

Well, I will try the on off button again but really prefer my foot pedal. Since I have used a foot pedal for 60 years, guess it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

I have the Janome 6600P and I FMQ either way the Stop/Start button or the foot peddle - haven't decided which I prefer. When I use the stop/start button I can reach it with my pinkie finger and not have to take my hands off the quilt. I love FMQ on my domestic. Haven't quite mastered the feathers yet but working on it. To each his (her) own.

I just started FMQ and just started learning my new machine and I love the S/S button! It is too difficult for me to maintain a steady speed with my foot pedal. Now my stitches are so much closer to the same length and it is so much fun. It's a Janome too, and it seems so easy to use.

I worried about starting and stopping but realized I can just sit in one place which ties the stitch to start and stop, and this is required anyway. I can also sit in one spot for a second to hit the stop button and it won't change the design at all!

I forgot to mention I go pretty slow, my speed is set about 1/3 of the way from the left, and this helps me to relax and move the direction I want without panicking.

When I got my Janome 6600 a friend said don't even put the foot pedal on the machine. Get used to the stop start button. I needed a new pedal for my 3500 so put it on that and have never looked back. I used my stop start button all the time piecing and FMQ. I have used it enough that I can just move my thumb up to slow it down or stop it with no trouble. The only time I might use a foot pedal is if I am really trying to get an accurate seam for points and such..

amen!!!!!!!!!!!!

I find that I have more even stitching if I use the on/off button and set the speed control on the machine. I have done it both ways, but prefer the constant speed. I have both hands free. I guess it depends on which machine you have because my hands are fairly small.