Here's the deal: I had never sewn a stich before using this machine. I read and followed the directions and I was practicing on scrap fabric the day I received it. My first project: 8 curtain panels. Ambitious, yes, but simple with this machine and a little help on measuring fabric from the nice ladies at my local fabric store. The trick to a straight stich I've found is lining the edge of the fabric up with the 5/8 inch measurement on the machine. You have to make sure you fold it far enough under to get to the needle and thread. I've compared prices on machines at discount stores and this (around 80 bucks) is still the best price for all the features and the quality of the machine. It is a refurbished machine-- but it looks brand new and works great. This machine has a built in needle threader, button hole attachment and it even does a blind hem stich (so you don't see the stich on the bottom of dress pants). It does a lot more stuff, too, I just haven't gotten that far yet. Overall, It's a great, easy to use machine, packed with features and stiches for a fantastic price. By the way... I bought it online on a Monday night and received the machine on a Wednesday morning... incredible!