DO NOT pull the fabric into the feed dogs when starting off .......is there any machine out there that does not do this?. I I know there is a way to not have it do that by using material but that is the number one complaint about my machine- would like to find one that doesn't do it. thanks Rita

It doesn't happen so much if you use a single hole needle plate. See if one is available for your machine. Just remember to change it before you zigzag!

That would be a great invention :D
In the mean time, Katier825 gave a great tip :D:D:D

Actually, my Viking Sapphire 830 doesn't do it much. I still like the single hole plate, just in case.

This is my experience, too. Starch helps with this problem, too. It makes the fabric stiffer and less likely to droop and catch in the hole. When it comes to triangles, though, all bets are off. All my machines eat triangles with or without single hole plates.

All of mine do it, I use a leader cloth. The single hole plate works, just don't forget you have it on there!

Often times all you need to do is change your needle. Dull needles will pull the fabric down into the throat plate instead of piercing the fabric. When is the last time you changed your needle???

Also, this is more likely to happen with thin, or sheer fabrics.

Neither my Janome 4800 or Juki TL-98E do it.

Hi RitaFaye,

Make sure that you have a sharp needle. This happens sometimes with sheer fabric. It is good to use a stabilizer to sew with sheers, this can be simple freezer type paper.

Also, some have mentioned using a single needle hole. I have not used one for many years. I like to be able to adjust my needle position so need a different plate.

The best way to avoid this is to simple use a leader cloth. This helps with the fabric pulling, the threads that you have, and make sewing chain style from block to block a simple task.

Also, another tip is to make sure that you have a hold of the upper and bobbin thread. By pulling the bobbin thread up, you then have a hold of both of the threads and then gently hold the fabric and guide it as you begin to sew and that should help.

Pam M

I do sometimes get a thread booger on my Quest Plus, so I usexleaders and enders, but no gobbling. My Berninas and Pfaffs don't do it either. But a SS plate will definitely cure that.

I use a straight stitch plate too on my Pfaff 7570.

My Janome doesn't do it.

SDG which Janome is that? thanks for all your answers

My Brother will from time to time make a nest of thread, but i figured out wht it was Not enough material under the foot. my problem is i always turn the fabric before its finisg sewing

I try and remember to use a leader, or as one of the quilt people on tv called it, "Junk". Anyway, that works for me.

I've never had this problem with my old mechanical Bernina 1030.

the janome horizon has a button that closes the plate to a single whole

Use a small scrap of fabric to start sewing with, then it won't go down into the feed dogs. I do have to say my new Pfaff has never done this. It works beautifully.

I try to use a straight stitch plate and foot when I am piecing. It makes it much easier and less chance of getting "stuck"

My babylock espire never does, but the single hole throat plate is your best bet or leader fabric.

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. :)

A lot of good advice.

My Janome 4900QC doesn't do it very often at all. My old machine would do it every time just about.

My Janome 7700 has a built in single hole plate and it remembers to change it automatically.

I've never seen this. Maybe because I use a 55 year old simple machine?

Some years ago our local college had a famous sewer visit for sewing classes. (Forgotten what the name was). But she said that her "Secret Weapon" for this was simply a threaded needle. She used a larger needle threaded with some bright color, ran it through the end of the fabric that was going under the needle, and pulled gently as it started sewing.

It worked for me when I remembered to do it. My older (1990s) Singer doesn't do it nor does the Brother, but might some day.

My Pfaff 7570 is the only machine I have (and I have over 30 machines) that doesn't do this.

I have not had the problem, but I am sure I will now

My Viking Designer II doesn't do it. It is excellent for starting on the edge of fabric. Love this about it. ;-)

Katyranch---you look extremely organized...interesting that you have a gun on your pegboard.....

Some people also call these little pieces of fabric "scouts".