My Bernina is ~20 yrs old. The owner's manual doesn't have anything about this issue. Is there anything in your owner's manual?

This is purely a guess: could this be a timing issue, or a setting for where the needle stops. The thread take-up should stop just past the uppermost position.

Try a pig, bunny, what ever,ie a small piece of throw away fabric same thickness as project to start on the slip onto the project. Stops that chewing of project. You can also give it a little unprofessional pull. Hope this works cheaper than a new plate. When get to end run onto another piece ready for next .

Looking at my bernina ' the new quilting book and found a picture of a straight stitch plate. It has a red warning decal which serves as a reminder not to use zigzag. So get in touch or google for a bernina straight stitch plate and see what happens. Good luck.

I have a Bernina straight stitch needle plate (just a hole) but I learned a long time ago how to avoid the fabric or threat from bunching up. For me the easiest is to just hold onto the thread for a second, until you start sewing. Then its fine, not gobbled up. Others prefer to use a small piece of fabric to start on every time you begin to sew. Good luck!

I love using the leaders/enders but YES Bernina does sell a straight stitch plate for all of their machines.

My Activa was doing this. Drove me crazy. I dialed down the pressure and it stopped!!! I don't know if your machine has a pressure adjustment or not but it would be worth a try if it does.

I agree, I use a starter fabric when piecing and don't have a problem with the fabric getting down in the feed dogs or bobbin case!!!!

Hmm, interesting suggestions, ladies. I knew I could count on you. I will certainly try these and keep you posted. I might still try to find a straight stitch plate. I heard they're good with knits and sometimes I like to sew with those, even though they're a nightmare. :)

I feel your pain, I hate when that happens. I don't even have a Bernina, I have a Janome and it happens to me too. I don't like using leaders and enders because I don't typically chain piece so it's definitely a pain. I sometimes just start right on the edge and go ever so slowly until it gets past the hole. I have an automatic thread cutter so pulling the threads back is great if you don't, but not so much if you do. I hope you find your single stitch plate.

I have a small hole plate for my Berninas. I don't know if I purchased it separately or not. It does help when piecing or sewing narrow things like bias binding straps on Princess Pillowcase dresses. Call or e-mail a dealer for the price and availability. It will come in handy in many cases.