I love using the S\S button. My machine takes the first few stitches slower then goes up to speed. Letting the machine control the speed means all I need to control is my hand. Instead of patting my head and rubbing my tummy all I need to do is pat my head. LOL

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. I have been working on FMQ all day today off and on.. and I think I am starting to like using the start/stop button. I am doing snowflakes on this quilt I can't wait to try this on a more continuous line pattern

I set the speed control so I can go pedal to the metal and not have to worry about adjusting the foot speed. Have tried the start button but I can't seem to get the hang of it.

I have Viking machines and I can control the speed--I choose Medium and then the Start/Stop button--I will use the foot pedal to stop at times. It took a little time to trust that this would work for me but it is easier than trying to use the foot pedal to get to the right speed for me.

Thanks for that tip and I will be sure to let you know how it works for me.

The on/off button would certainly give you the speed control you need for FMQ. I think my daughter uses it exclusively on her Babylock machine and she does some really intricate quilting.

I always use my on/off button for everything. When I first started quilting about 5 years ago, I used only the foot pedal, and ended up with a problem in my calf muscle from always flexing that foot. After getting my Janome 6600 with the on/off button, my muscle problem has healed itself. I love fmq with out the foot pedal. It just takes a little practice.

I use it only when I have long boring strips to seam, I can't imagine the stress of trying it while I am FMQ'ing, I can imagine as you take your hand off to hit the button, stitches go awry and then some. JMHO

I have a Viking reg machine that I put on a quilt rack..when I am ready to quilt..I use the on ..off button also..set the speed before..I start..It take time to learn.That movement which gets u the same stitch length..But once u do or have stitch control..I enjoy the freedom of it..We all have different ways of doing things.I think if u are comfortable doing it.Then it is right for u.

Sometimes I use the on/off button when FMQ. I have a Pfaff QE 4.2, sometimes the machine won't shut off when I step on the foot pedal, when the machine is behaving it's great.