Go to a store that handles this machine. Then you can ask questions and try it out. I have a Brother machine, not this particular one, but I love mine. Also check out the home shopping network. They handle Brother and they have some very good buys there. Also if you buy from them and don't like it, you can return it easily. That is where I got mine and it was a better buy than in a sewing center shop. Doesn't cost anything to check it.