Can You Use a Sewing Machine Without a Foot Pedal?
If this was a perfect world, then maybe no one would need to sew clothes. But since it isn’t, sewing is a necessity and foot pedals are a fact of life. But who needs a foot pedal anyways? Sewing is creative so is the operation of a sewing machine.
Can you use a sewing machine without a foot pedal? Because of people’s different physical abilities, sewing machine manufacturers have listened and created sewing machine models that do not use a foot pedal. That may make it easier for those who press down too far on the pedal with their foot.
Learning about sewing without foot pedals is easy. All you have to do is continue to read our article. It is filled with the right information to guide you to foot pedal-less sewing.
Using a Sewing Machine Without a Foot Pedal
Yes, you can. This is the great thing about technology. It finds different ways for you to get your sewing projects done a lot faster and a lot easier. Sewing machine makers have designed many of their computerized machines to work without a foot pedal.
Janome is one such sewing machine maker. Their Janome TXL607 and Janome MC9400 QC, are just two of their computerized models that work without a foot pedal.
In fact, many older Singer models used to come with a knee press instead of a foot pedal. This made sewing a bit more comfortable and easier to control the speed of the fabric.
Then the biggest benefit that comes with a sewing machine that lacks a foot pedal is that the speed of the machine, needle, and fabric is more constant. That may help you out a lot as you get your sewing work completed.
Do Computerized Sewing Machines Have a Foot Pedal
Yes, many models come with foot pedals. Even the ones that do not need one to work have a foot pedal option. The digital sewing machines can work with either with or without a sewing foot pedal.
Brother has a few models that do not use foot pedals, The Innov-is 15 or Innov-is 20LE, Innov-is 420 or Innov-is 1100 and the Innov-is 1800Q or Innov-is Vq2 are models that use both styles.
Besides the 2 mentioned above, the Janome models are the 230DC or CXL301, DXL603 or DSK30, and the Atelier 5 or MC6600. So if you have the money for these types of sewing machines, you can work at your sewing that is the most comfortable and easiest for you to do. If you dislike sewing without a foot pedal, you can always reattach it and go to town.
Just be aware that when a foot pedal wears out, it can be costly to fix.
Do All Sewing Machines Have Foot Pedals?
No, they do not. Since all sewers are not made the same and do not have the same sewing preferences, all sewing machines are not made the same.
Some of the models from the 1950s mostly came with knee pedals. It was a feature that lost its popularity for a while but it is making its way back. The Bernina sewing machine company makes a knee style sewing machine.
Then Brother uses a push-button format on a few of its sewing machines. Foot pedals may or may not be ideal but at least you get some choice in how you do your sewing. One benefit of ditching the foot pedal is that you can adjust your seating to remain comfortable if you will be sewing for a few hours.
You may not be able to do that with the short cord attached to the foot pedal.
Pedal Free Sewing Machine
The place to start looking for this type of machine is with the more famous brands. Bernina has models out there that do not use a foot pedal. If you can afford one of their machines, then this is a top option to go with. Their machines are well built and solid.
Then there is both Brother and Singer. They have been making push-button models for some time. As stated earlier, Janome has several computerized models that do not need a foot pedal.
Then if you want to go old school, look at some of the older sewing machines. Being without a foot pedal is not a new idea. There have been machines made with hand cranks and knee pedals for decades.
It is going to depend on your budget, your preference and which brand you like if you are going to add to your sewing machine collection and get one without a pedal.
Some Foot Pedal FAQs
Even those models that do not need a foot pedal usually have one with them when you make your purchase. Here are some answers to certain questions so you can understand the foot pedal better:
1. Are foot pedals universal?
No. Most universal foot pedals are only for select models on different brand name models. There is no one size fits all foot pedal. Read more about universal foot pedals here.
2. When to replace your foot pedal?
Usually when you have lost it, the cord becomes frayed, the foot pedal has become damaged, or the old one doe snot fit the new machine that did not come with one.
3. Can you interchange foot pedals?
Like the universal foot pedal, you can only interchange those foot pedals that are compatible with the right sewing machine.
4. What to do when your foot pedal is missing?
You should check the owner’s manual for the serial and model number of your sewing machine, then go to the store and look at different foot pedals till you find one that will work with your machine.
Some Final Words
Foot pedals are an essential part of sewing. Without them, most people would not be able to create great clothing. But as times change you will see that foot pedals are being replaced slowly.
This is good news for those with disabilities and cannot use a foot pedal.
