If the presser bar releases you can do free motion with the SS foot ("camel toe"!). I think it's nice that it came with the SS foot. ZZ foot is easier to find. SS foot for ZZ machine is not easy to find. SS foot gives better control, especially for stitching close to the edge of fabric. Is this a left needle zig zag? That is, when it is straight stitching is the needle in the left position?