My 301a is a remarkable straight stitcher. And yes, I agree that a zz machine does not produce a perfectly straight seam like a machine that sews only straight. I have done some FMQ on my 301a, and I really like how easy it is to slow down on this machine. It gives me great control. It's not the largest of the full size machines, but it has plenty of harp space to do most of the projects I would do on it.