I have this machine, I upgraded last January only because I wanted a few extra stitches. I used that machine exclusively for 16 years and now my kids use it. It's awesome. It's not thread picky, sews great and truly a workhorse. Great machine for kids. I'm actually loaning it out for this month to a visiting quilter. I have the instruction manual so if you have any issues pm me I'll look it up. I upgraded to another brother, love their machines