As others say, try & test drive before buying. I currently have a Handi Quilter Avante, which has an 18" throat space but only sews 15. I have had it for a few years & have outgrown it, looking to up grade to larger machine. I'm planning on buying a APQS soon as I sell my Avante, so my advice is as always, if your planning for long time use, is to purchase a machine that is a bit larger than you think you will need, because 3-4 years down the road you'll be wishing you had, (ask me how I know!)