i would not free motion on this machine. i slip a leather sleeve with quilted lining or pant heavy leg on and sew it. i use a mono thread in the top, or leather. it is to strong for thin fabric or garment. i hauled this machine plus others all over south/central tex one summer, doing freehand emb, sewing on patches, and making seat covers for bikes in the hot sun at gold wing ralleys, with my son. we had a 35' motor home pulling a 18' trailor.