Just wondering, have you tried gently pulling on your threads, bobbin and top thread, as you start your first few stitiches? Pull gently on the threads behind the needle and it should quit "eating" your fabric. Sorry, don't know if Bernina has the stitch plate. I have a Pfaff and do use the straight stitch plate but sometimes still pull on my threads to get started.
Last edited by suern3; 04-22-2013 at 03:12 PM.