Somewhere I read that the old straight stitch machines sew the best straight stitch because they don't have any zigzag capabilities. It seems that if they can zigzag, there is an ever so slight zigzag in the straight stitch, one you don't even notice, but the straight stitch is affected and it is not as perfect. I don't see so well anyway so I can't see it, but there may be some truth to it. I can tell you the Featherweight sews a fantastic straight stitch.