Yes, there is a way to create the serpentine stitch for your machine based on the info above. I don't believe this information is in the manual...just someone figured out a way to do it quite a long time ago. I have the 6600p (Elna version) and its the same way...yet lots of other machines ..vintage, cheapies and many Brothers do have the stitch that is fully adjustable. You did not make a mistake purchasing the 6500 and i think you can save the stitch to memory once you figure out how to program it. Have fun w/ your new Janome!