If we were meant to only sew straight, there would be no curves. I like both, so the machine helps when I'm not paying attention. I've found moderate speed, using a stiletto and keeping the pins pinned so the tips are about a quarter inch to the left of the seam help (don't have to remove them then.) It's like driving -- can't take your eyes off the road to check out the world or I will stitch in the ditch before there's a ditch.