The last time I used the machine I had just finished cleaning and oiling it. I thought it would be good to go. However anytime I tried to sew a lighter weight fabric, I got either bird nesting, or no stitches....just holes where the needle had gone through the fabric. When I tried to sew some denim, it would sew a little, bog down, then take off like a rocket. I also noticed at times the needle will strike the plate. Not sure why that kept happening either. I did change the needle, even brands, but no luck. I was fortunate enough to get some suggestions from some nice people on here a few months back, but I have yet to figure out the issue(s).