quiltedsunshine

Hi QuiltFeathers, I have one of these marvelous machines at home, and love it!

The feed dogs on that machine are pretty easy to raise. Put them in the highest position and see if they come up to the lowest part of the feed dog teeth, being level with the needle plate. If not, I can attach pictures to show you how to raise them. Your machine might have the criss-cross feed dogs, which don't feed as well as the feed dogs with teeth, which is why Bernina put out a "feed dog upgrade kit" which was basically the feed dogs with teeth.

SewingPup has a good thought about using a different presser foot. The 0 foot will feed best. The #6 or #20 have the bottom of the foot cut out, so they don't feed as well. Also the #3 foot is a buttonhole foot, which can hang up with any stitch other than a buttonhole. I see that one being used as a "standard" presser foot a lot, for some reason. #37 (1/4" foot) will feed very well, but the #57 is the same foot with a guide, and it will not feed as well, as the fabric is bumped up against the guide.

Another thing to check is if there's damage on the needle plate. If so, it can be buffed off with a very fine sandpaper (about 400 to 600 grit). Also check if there is damage on the bottom of the presser foot and buff it off if needed. I've seen groves worn in the bottom of some presser feet.

I hope you're able to get your wife's machine sewing beautifully before her retreat!