Thanks ania - I'm really torn about what to do - your point re the stitching was my worry BUT I feel really bad about slicing up my lovely backing fabric! I'm wondering if maybe I lay out the backing and batting together with another large piece of fabric, kind of like a 'dummy' and roll it up and see how it goes through the throat! OR I could just buy a new sewing machine! Now THERE's an idea! :lol: