I am using a singer 241-11...which is really a leather machine i guess..it is old 1948 but it does exactly what i want it to with out all the gizmos that my Designer SE LE has..plus the throat space is 11 inches and it can stitch up to 5000 per min ( no i haven't gotten it that high nor do i think i am going to try lol) I am using serger thread...but im a newbie =) good luck sweetie.