The decorative stitches sometimes can't be used with your walking foot(depends on model and manufacturer). If the stitch has backwards motions some WF do not like it. And the stitching can look unattractive on the back. So....it sort of depends on what your going for. I also like the serpentine stitch and do use that a lot for quilting and bindings. I find most other decorative stitches look messy or too busy on the back. I tend to FMQ most of my quilts, though.