Does anyone know why my needle would be hitting the darning foot? I've taken the foot off and put it back on many times because at first I thought maybe I didn't have it secured to the post correctly. There's really only one way the foot can go on. My machine is a Singer and I'm using the foot that came with it.

Is your needle set at the center location and on straight stitch?

Yes. If I move the needle up and down without the quilt sandwich under the foot it doesn't hit. That certainly doesn't make any sense! Even took the needle out and put it back in thinking maybe I didn't have it seated well.

I was going to ask if the needle is in properly?

Are your feed dogs down and are you moving your quilt to fast for the needle and it is bending as you move the quilt? This can happen when the needle is not fully out of the fabric as you move the quilt around. Try slowing your motion down a bit and if you can slow the machine motor speed, try that also. Use a practice sandwich before starting on your project. May some of this rant help you!
peace :D

The feed dogs won't go down but I have a darning plate. Just tried your suggestion and even if I stay in one place and let the needle go up and down it still hits. GRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!

Which singer model and age are you using...Some of the older singers the needles flat part doesn't go to the back but to the side...My 66 model is sideways...

Dumb question, but what does the manual say?

I don't now the shape of the darning foot. Can you have the hole enlarged by grinding it on the sides or in the hole. Which side is it hitting. If in the front then cut a space in the front like a horse shoe. This is the way many did the original ones available back in the 70s

describe the darning foot so we can perhaps give informed suggestions,