I have the 8200..overall it's a great machine. I love to free motion on this machine. IrishNY is correct, it's not great on thick seams. Also you need to measure your 1/4 inch as the foot or setting is not correct. Since I know that now it's not a problem. Love the large throat. I can't use the knee lift as it's so far away because of the long machine. I wish it was like my Vikings with a auto lift. I believe BabyLock does this also. Over all I'd buy the machine again. Didn't get the 8900 because I knew I would use the extra stitches and otherwise the machine are the same.