You can take the front cover off, but you have to be careful. Basically, the machine front and back covers both come apart at the same time, splitting the machine in half. You have to be very careful, because there are tiny little plugs that can come unplugged if you separate the two halves too much. Also..if you decide to do this..it is important that when you put it back together, the presser foot has to be in the down position..if it is not, then your feed dogs won't work when you go to sew.As others have said, if it's under warranty, I'd go that route..if it's out of warranty, and you are secure in your ability to take it apart and reassemble it, then you really can't hurt it as long as you're careful.