Look for a Pfaff 230. Around $250 - $300. Sounds like a lot of cash but not just any machine will work with the heavier materials and thicker threads. Try before you buy or get recommendations for particular models. ZigZag is necessary as a bar tack (sort of). Look for all steel components (most modern home machines are full of nylon gears). You also need to use a larger needle. Most home machines will use something like a #14. To sew with e-thread or "69" nylon thread, you'll need to go somewhere between #18 - #24 needle. If you research how a sewing machine needle actually works, by using a groove for the thread, and an area on the needle that pinches the thread so a loop for the hook is created, then you'll understand the need for the correct size needle. Or you can just ignore all that and get a #22 needle.

Good luck on you project(s)