I have learned to do fmq on my reg. 35 yr. old machine. I tried out the stitch regulator on a Bernina at the store and really disliked it. It felt like I was fighting the machine the whole time I was using it. I've spoken with others that have had the same experience. If you've learned to fmq without a stitch regulator you might not like to use one. If however, you learn to fmq with a stitch regulator, you might like it. For sure, try it out before you spend the money.