I used to use a totally mechanical machine that only had a zigzag and straight stitch to its name. I did a huge amount of free motion embroidery on it. I hated the darning feet so most of the time did not use any foot. I lowered the feed dogs and did my thing. There are some "big" holed darning feet out on the market now that you might like. I think this might be try and decide type thing.
I hate to say this. I own a machine with an embroidery unit that I rarely use. I found I prefer to do my own thing.