Yes i've used BAtiks before without much trouble. these fabrics were lovely but very tightly woven. I used a 14 quilt needle and changed to a sharp 10 one. better but after awhile it began to have trouble too. yes, my throat plate allows zig zag, so the fabric can go down in there. I don't have a small hole plate for straight stitch. Perhaps I should see about finding one. and yes i did wash my fabrics.