Test Drive an inexpensive machine ($200-$300) then test drive a mid range ($1000-$1500) then test drive the
expensive babies! You can feel a difference in each one. BUT.... The high end to have many more bells and whistle of which you may not use often. BUT they also have features such as a larger throat area compared to the $300 ones that normally only have about 6" or so. I have a "Mid range" and love it! It has more stitches than I need but nice to have when you do want to do something more. Best advise I can offer is to write down the features you would really like to have, then go try out machines. Good Luck!