Bernina straight stitch needle plate? Chewed up stitches, yuck!
 

Hello lovely ladies. Does anyone out there know if bernina makes a straight stitch needle plate? My machine is the 350 patchwork edition. I've combed the web and it doesn't look too good. I might call bernina or my dealer. I'm asking bc whenever I piece the fabric bunches up every time I start a new stitch and its driving me crazy. I need some relief from the chewed up fabric! I've hear you can just put tape over the zig zag throat plate but wanted to know what your experiences are.

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.

I found after 20+ years of sewing that using small pieces of cloth to begin and end (and leave until the next seam) really helps with this issue. Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com calls them leaders and enders and has precut pieces ready that are then used in another quilt. I am not that organized but the theory is good. I find the beginning and ending of the seams are much neater also.

I have a straight stitch throat plate for my Bernina 440QE. I don't remember whether I purchased it separately, or it came with the machine. However, if you're having constant problems, there are several things to consider. Be sure your needle is sharp and that it's the right kind of needle for your fabric. Follow the directions suern3 gave, and also sew with a leader.

I bought my straight stitch plate and I HAVE A 440QE

Just hold the tails of the threads as you start this will stop the threads from being pulled in by the feed dogs. It makes a world of difference. I also have used a scrap piece as a leader, but holding the threads works great too.

I def do try to hold the threads but sometimes it happens even then. I might try the leader piece. I even tried a piece of tape and it was just a wee bit...ok, majorly...futile.

When was the last time you changed your needle?

i routinely use these as well.

New needle or not, same thing. Sometimes I just don't start at the very edge of the fabric but it can be very frustrating.