If you have a straight stitcher with a single hole needle plate is the only way, otherwise you will have to get used to starting all of your pieces with a bit of 'waste' fabric. You place the scrap piece in front of your sewing each time you start a run. That stops your main piece being pulled into the plate. Once you get into the habit, it is very simple to snip off the waste bit and continue to re - use it until it is 'sewn to death'.