Thank you, I never thought of that. It makes sense though, because my machine continues to do it, even though it has been serviced several times.

I use all sizes, it doesn't seem to matter.

I was having that problem with my Bernina Artista 185. I don't like to change the plate because I use the decorative stitches frequently and I could just see myself forgetting and doing a lot of damage. I found if you change the needle position to one side or the other even one place it gives you more control and allows the feed dogs to do their job. All you have to do, at least on my machine to put things back, is turn the machine off and then back on.

I agree, make sure the correct needle plate is attached. Makes a huge difference. Also, my Babylock embroidery machine came with two bobbin cases-one marked with a pink dot (embroidery) and with a green dot (embroidery and other sewing). The tensions are different on the bobbin cases, the pink dotted case being tighter.

I use a leader most of the time you actually save thread and time using a leader on most projects like pieceing

Mine did that too until I used the straight foot plate. Still does it once in a great while for very small pieces.