Brother A50 over the A16?

[HappyCampers]

My teenage daughter is looking for her first proper machine (for pretty much everything, inc projects, clothing, alterations, free hand embroidery) I will likely use it for curtains, soft furnishing and possibly quilting

She has tried a few machines and really likes the Brother A16. For a bit more money the A50 is pretty much the same machine but offers a lot of extra decorative stitches - but is it worth the extra?

Anyone got an A15/A16 and feel they needed more? Anyone got an A50 and never use the features?

[Bumblebuncher]

It seems to be the general opinion that none of us use all the decorative stitches our machines have to offer.  When I was buying my new machine last year (Pfaff 620) I could have got the next one up but realised the only difference was more stitches, so saved myself £100!  If that is the literal only difference, it probably is not worth the upgrade. 
I can't comment on the actual machines though as I have never owned a Brother!
I am sure she will be happy with whatever one you choose though

[Ouryve]

If she is planning on sewing any stretch fabrics then she will find the over edging stretch stitch, number 13, on the better machine, immensely useful. I actually prefer the equivalent stitch on my janome, over my overlocker, for attaching cuffs, as it is so sturdy.

[StitchinTime]

Although sewing machines can be a bit like washing machines in that only a few of the stitches/programs are used on a regular basis, looking at the manual there are some extras on the A50 that I would find useful.
https://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/media/attachment/file/i/n/innov_is_a16_instruction_manual-min.pdf

These are the features/stitches that I find useful on my machine (not a Brother) and are available on the A50 but not the A16

• Changing the default needle position from left to centre
• The option to start with a lock stitch rather than reverse
• Right needle position straight stitch
• Various quilting stitches
• Shell tuck edge stitch (looks like a mirrored blanket stitch)
• Serpentine stitch

[Bumblebuncher]

Definitely more than just more stitches lol
Probably worth the extra then!

[WildAtlanticWay]

Agree with others that looking at the two machines, the extra stitches on the A50 are actually quite useful.

I have a Brother 1300 and use some of the decorative stitches on things like appliqué or as a decorative top stitch around the edge of something to add a bit of zazz.

I think it’s when you have 100+ stitches, you tend not to use them all as some are very similar. 

@StitchinTime   You can always change needle position on a straight stitch by moving your stitch width from 0 and it moves the needle from left to right. I think most modern machines that do a zigzag stitch offer this option? I set mine to 5.5 width for my quarter inch seam. I know I can swap to the quarter inch foot but I find this the easiest option.

[HappyCampers]

wow, lots of responses so quickly, thank you

it already looks like stretch fabrics (stitches and button holes) and significantly better quilting capability mean the A50 is potentially a more flexible machine

[StitchinTime]

@WildAtlanticWay Thank you for clarifying about adjusting the needle position. I wasn't sure if this was possible as there were defined stitches for left and right straight stitch.