I use just a little paper piece under the first few stitches or a leader piece--but my old machines RARELY do that , even on little triangles. However, prevention is easier than the mess, so it is habit now!

I've never had a problem with that since I got my Bernina. My old Kenmore did it all the time!

make sure you are using a sharp needle. A dull needle with push the fabric down rather than piercing it.

What kind of sewing machine do you have?

Zigzag Elna loves to eat small fabrics. The straight stitch Singer 301 never does and I've been working with multiple small HSTs this week. So if you can get a plate with a smaller hole, that should work.

JuneC I have a Kenmore *LOL* I like the machine .....

Gunny, do you have a needle up/needle down button? If so use the needle down so when you pivot your fabric it should continue sewing smoothly for you. When piecing or any straight stitching the single hole plate is the way to go. The zig zag plate is great for everything else. As mentioned make sure you have a good needle without burrs or dull. All these things plus making sure your tension is adjusted properly will solve the problem.

My Janome doesn'tdo it. I was told to make sure the first stitch goes into the fabric so I always make sure of that.

If you have a straight stitcher with a single hole needle plate is the only way, otherwise you will have to get used to starting all of your pieces with a bit of 'waste' fabric. You place the scrap piece in front of your sewing each time you start a run. That stops your main piece being pulled into the plate. Once you get into the habit, it is very simple to snip off the waste bit and continue to re - use it until it is 'sewn to death'.

I'll add to this, use a small scrap of fabric to start and end your sewing, Bonnie Hunter calls these leaders and enders!

OOps, I'm guilty of not reading all the posts, others have this same idea. :)