if you use the 1/4 inch foot always be sure to change the stitch as soon as you turn on the machine, my big machine is always set on this stitch so i always forget on my little machine to change it to the second stitch otherwise you will strike the presser foot. Just to let you know this machine makes the most gorgeous buttonholes. The second stitch is the one I use for piecing. Hope you will love your as much as "I love mine, she is quite the little piecer but she can handle alot. its even fun to do the decorative stitches using bobbin work. All of the brother 7mm feet work on this machine. the cording and braiding feet are very fun to use. If you need any help I have used this machine quite a bit this year in numerous classes/projects and can probably answer most of your questions