This machine does make a very nice stitch. I have the little zigzag arm completely out of the way then I slide a disc on. I'm thinking the disc slides up the shaft when I sew because it doesn't go low enough to clear the little bearing releases on the disc shaft. I've pushed it down as far as I can, I think. It must have to have a disc to zig zag. It is pretty simple to figure out otherwise. It sure is light weight.