I have this machine. I bought it with a Grace frame and I have a stitch regulator. I have had it over 6 years. I have the clear round (with a slight metal ring) foot on it for free motion quilting plus the plate that covers the feed dogs. I don't see how you can't have the place (K) where the thread goes through. I have my Pressure foot pressure at 0, the stitch length at 2 and the tension on the thread guide at 2. I have quilted hundreds of quilts on it and love it. Throat space is not great but row by row I get them done!