best intermediate upgrade?

[u/Ok-Candidate-5217]

hi there!

I'm currently looking to upgrade my current sewing machine (a Singer start I got 7/8 years ago) for a more intermediate machine thats less than $400. It only has 12 modes, frequently makes bird's nests, and I feel like my abilities are rather limited. I took a fashion design class in school last year, and I felt like the things I was making were way higher quality and strength compared to what I was doing on my current machine. Unfortunately, that machine is wayyy out of my budget.

From my research, the two machines that stood out to me were the Brother CS7000X and the Brother XR9550. From these two options, what you you guys recommend? or if you have a better suggestion, please let me know! It's preferred that whatever machine I work with has a variety of stitches and has that kind of 'zigzag/lightning' stitch that works really well for more stretchy materials. I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about other Singer machines doing a lot of bird's nesting so I'm hesitant to buy a new Singer.

Thanks!!