The Patchwork 7285Q sewing machine is designed with quilting in mind. It has 203 stitch applications from which to choose you can make and embellish quilts as well as sew fashions home decor and much more. Programmable needle up/down is a must-have for quilting sewing appliques and even top stitching. When you select a stitch the optimum stitch length and width are selected for you saving time. The throat space (working distance from the needle to the tower) is 140mm or 5.5 inches. Customize stitches to personalize projects using adjustable stitch length and stitch width viewable on the LCD screen. You can even set the maximum sewing speed of the machine using the speed control lever – slower for free-motion quilting or faster for those long seams – you re always in control. Sew buttonholes in one easy step with consistent results every time. You can even choose from 6 different styles of buttonholes – like the basic bartack style round end and keyhole great for menswear and outerwear. Take off the Removable Storage Compartment to access the free arm which makes it even easier to sew around trouser hems and cuffs children s clothing and other smaller projects.