I think I've finally found a way to keep my foot pedal from creeping all over the place (industrial strength velcro!!), but that problem has made me wonder about using the knee lift that came with my machine. I know my Mother always used a knee lift. I'd be really interested to know what you all use and why you prefer your choice.

I can't make that thing work to save my soul (or sanity). I bump it when I don't need to, don't push it when I should, and scrape myself when getting out of the chair coz I forget it's there. Talk about old dog and new tricks.

Isn't the knee lift used to lift the needle on your machine?

I love mine and have learned where to place my chair/machine/knee to make it all work.

I thought it was used in place of a foot pedal. Guess I'd better get the manual out to look that up before doing anything drastic!!!

I've owned several sewing machines with a knee pedal, so when I got my knee lift it really caused some problems. I gave up after 2 quilts, and lots of mistakes.

I have a lift but never use it.

A Knee lift and a Knee control are two different things. A knee lift lifts the foot a knee control runs the machine.

I love my knee lift!

All our machines in high school had the knee control. I've really gotten attached to my push button stop/start.

The knee lift on my machine just lifts the foot up and down. It doesn't control the machine. My mom had a Kenmore sewing machine that had a knee control that did make the sewing machine go. Hers never had a foot pedal.

never could get used to it

I love the knee lift didn't use it for the first year, now that I have gotten used to it I really cant live with out it

Okay, I looked it up in the manual -- guess I should have done that before starting this thread! It is only another way to lift the presser foot, not a control like my mother used to use. I think I'll just put it back in the box and not worry about what to do with it any more! Maybe I'll explore that pus button stop/start button on my machine. Don't think I'm too old to learn a new trick or two!!

Ditto. The salesman told me that I would love it once I got used to using it...he was right. I use it all the time to pivot my fabric.

I love my knee lift! I learned to use my left foot to use the foot pedal and my right knee to lift the presser foot. Using different legs for the different functions helps avoid confusion.

On my Bernina I have the knee lift for the presser foot and then if you tap the foot pedal with your heel it lifts the needle so that your hands never have to leave the fabric it is awesome. I love it. It helps piecing, especially chain piecing go so much faster.

yep...newer machines, all it does it lift the presser foot..older machines it actually is used instead of the pedal.

i love my knee lift but it only lifts the presser foot up and down - it has nothing to do with running the machine or making the needle go up or down.

its my favorite for applique because i'm able to stop stitch with the needle down and then use the knee lift to lift the presser foot and turn the applique piece to the next area to stitch.

Love it!

Once I got used to "driving" with my left foot and using my right knee for the knee lift I was off and piecing!

In newer machines and bernina 830 the knee lifter is to lift your presser foot. In older vintage in cabinet Singer machines the knee lifter is used instead of the foot pedal. I like knee lifters either for lifting the needle or for speed control. Also with the vintage Singer I do not like the old fashion foot pedal with the weird little knobby for sewing.

On most machines now days the knee lift raises the presser foot. I would never have a machine that doesnt have one. Essential for FMQ, chain piecing and pivoting. I had a macine years ago that had a knee thingy (not a lift) that actually controlled the machine.

Love love love my knee lift. My grandma had an old singer with a knee control that I learned to sew on (I have it now that Grandma has passed), and I really liked it too. But I'm not sure I can function with my knee lift.

I hated chasing the foot pedal around and around. The machine I have now just has a start and stop button on it.
I love, love, love it. Start/Stop button and automatic needle threader make my machine ROCK.

I learned to sew on a 1950's Singer that was operated by a knee, or leg, bar. My Bernina has a knee lift for the presser foot. I don't use it because it totally confuses me and I start thinking I can run the machine with the knee bar.

I m too short to use my knee lift.

I love the knee lift especially when FMQ it gives you both hands to manuver the quilt.

I use my start/stop button instead of a foot pedal. I love it. I have a really bad knee so tried the button anf it worked great for me.

hate them

I LOVE using a knee lift to pivot! Give it another try, you will probably love it when you get the hang of it.

I am not coordinated enough to use my knee lift. LOL I learned on a foot pedal and a knee lift just gets me all messed up. I would recommend those that are just starting out, to get used to them if they have them. I watch the ladies that work in the Bernina Store and they seem to be a breeze to use. Not to me but I am klutz!

Interesting topic, have never ran across a knee lift, but have an couple of older machines that have the knee control similar to a pedal, they reminded me of a thy master, but just for one side ;) Guess I'll just keep chasing the foot pedal, gives a good reason for stretching out & wiggling my toes.

i have never tried the knee lift on my Janome 6600, my friend uses hers and loves it! Heck,i don't even use the foot pedal!

Just talking with a girlfriend that I need to start using the knee lift! I have it and have never used it. lol

I love my knee lift!

I wouldn't do with out my knee lift.Two hands to hold fabric and you need to raise the presser foot.

A knee lift is just that - a lever at the knee to raise the foot.I did use a couple of machines that substituted a knee press for the foot pedal and found it less tiring than pressing down on the pedal.
I don't need a knee lift on my machine as I have it programmed to raise the foot when I tap the pedal.It's the same for lowering the foot as well.

My mother's old Singer (late 50s model) had a knee lift and I have never really gotten used to a foot pedal! Sadly, my current machine only has a foot pedal (which may have something to do with my strong preference for hand sewing).

With my mom's old machine, working the knee lift meant sitting with your thigh against the lever and then sort of rolling your thigh into it or away from it to operate it. Didn't take much movement in either direction to make a difference.

The machine sped up smoothly and slowed down smoothly, it was very responsive. But that may have been due to the design and quality. It was one of those machines that weighed not much under a bajillion pounds because it was all metal and it could sew through anything with the right needle, even multiple layers of leather or canvas. In fact, my mom made a tent with leather reinforced stress points on that machine!

Since you've never used one, just remember it's like anything else, there is a learning curve. Grab some big scraps and just practice sewing with the knee lift until it feels natural. If you're goal oriented, I suggest sewing 200 seams (of 12 inches or more) before deciding whether you like it or not.

OOOPS! I read on and realised you were talking about the thingie to lift the presser foot.

Nevermind.

I have never used a knee lift except on older machines.I have a Bernina 230 pe edition now and if anyone has one that will fit mine,I may be interested in it. Pm me.

Got a knee lift with my new Pfaff I got a couple months ago. Never even tried it, but now after reading all of these threads, I am going to give it a whirl!

I have the Janome 9000 with the knee lift only for raising the foot. I love it. It's great for chain piecing etc. I use it all the time.
Mine is not for sewing, but the newer machines might be for sewing, I don't know.

Old fashion I'm a foot gal!