A lot of times when I'm FMQ'ing I don't use the foot pedal. The speed stays consistent and then all I have to concentrate on is moving my fabric. Apparently I do better when only trying to accomplish one thing at a time!

I think it will really help me get into free motion. Until now I just SID. Which I have a special foot for by the way..who knew??!! :)

I would love a knee lift. Maybe next time!!

I have a Janome 6600P and I love the knee lift for the pressure foot and use it all the time. I have used the thread cutter but I'm having problems with it jamming at times, so I don't use it too much. It has a start and stop button, but I always use the foot pedal. I'm going to have to try it while FMQ as michelleoc does - never thought to do that.

I recently got to test drive the Janome Horizon, and loved it. I didn't like the knee lift--I kept hitting my elbow (funny bone) on it. I am just the right height to hit my funny bone on everything. I seem to hit door knobs the most. I guess that is just my cross to bear. lol After hitting it a couple of times, I took it off. Loved, loved the machine--maybe next time, when I have more money to spend.
Sue

I find FMQ much easier on my Janome with its Start/Stop button that I can pre-set the speed on, rather than my Pfaff QE4 which is pedal only. The thread I've saved with the auto thread cutter has about paid for the machine, lol.

For appliqué, I prefer the Pfaff with the auto-pivot. This lifts the presser foot automatically, with needle down, when you stop sewing and automatically puts it down when you start sewing again, doing away with the need for a knee lift.

Now I need to find a machine that does it all!

My machine will sew without the foot pedal - I've used it like that when quilting. Sometimes these machines have so many wonderful features we can't possibly use them all!

I have NOT used a foot pedal in over 3 years. I love just pushing the button and away you go. I also love the needle treader and the scissors button on mine. I absolutely love my sewing machine. I get a smile on my face every time I sit down to use it.

I learned to sew with the knee bar, but it wasn't just a lifter it was my go juice! It was in the 60's and I think the machine was a White, or it could have been an Elna. It was a great way to sew, but now I'm not so sure I could coordinate my knee to do the job anymore!;)

i use the start/stop with no pedal for sewing decorative stitches on long runs vs, short runs with lots of turns. Makes it easier for me to manage the fabric. I have used the knee lifter for so long I can't sew without it. To me it's a time saver but it did take a bit to get used to it in the beginning.

I love the start/stop button and wonder how I ever used the foot pedal. Mine kept running away from me and I was forever chasing it down. I tried all the hints to keep it in place but they never worked. I don't use the thread cutter asI like longer tails to hold onto to start my seams. I don't use the knee lifter as it seems so cumbersome to have it there. I tried not getting it, but it came with themachines I have so they are somewhere around here but I don't know where.