Try a number of machines before you buy, Take pieces of fabric you will be using and if they won,t let you try don,t buy there. The built in walking foot on the Pfaff is great but you can buy a walking foot for other machines . Bernina must use Bernina attachments some othe r machine you can use generic feet. Buy the best you canafford and make sure service is near and that you can have lessons Good Luck. ( used to sell machines)