This machine is okay for some basic every day sewing. However, I sew for long periods of time. This machine is not made for that. First, in every Singer machine I have bought, I have to fix the bottom tension. The factory settings just don't work. After long periods of use, the timing will start to go out. I have to stop using it for almost the rest of the day before I can start using it again. It does do pretty great with layers! Thick layers too!