The old stunt was to tape cardboard over the swing of the needle hole. If you forgot and hit the cardboard, it wasn't too bad.

I use mine most of the time. I can move the needle over one or two clicks without it being a problem. The *problem* is when I clean the machine and accidentally touch something that throws it into true zigzag mode. I've broken several needles, and scared myself silly, that way.

Yes I forget to change the plat...have done that at least two times...for this very reason the featherweights can't be best....tiny little hole in the plate....great for piecing...

I love my single hole plate and keep it on my machine most of the time. I use it for free motion quilting and when I use my walking foot. (I do my piecing on my Featherweight.) Once I forgot to change it and started a zigzag stitch which not only broke the needle; but did over $100 damage to the machine. Hopefully, that has taught me to look at the plate before I start sewing.

Yes, I got tired of using a leader scrap when piecing, I always use it when piecing along with holding the thread snuggly behind the needle to avoid thread pile ups on the back. Now if I could remember to change it Before I break a needle!!

I got my straight stitch plate!

I do know what a lead scrap piece is I just really dont like using one so this plate is wonderful!

I have been sewing hourglass blocks and triangles with no problem!

I AGREE...wouldnt have a machine without one for piecing. Also my built in walking foot....

I have one and when I use it, I always forget to put the other in and break a needle doing a different stitch.

For Corginole: I don't know how vintage your Berninas are but I had a straight stitch plate for both my Bernina 830 Record and my 1130. In both cases they came with the machines. When I bought my new 530 it did not come with the straight stitch plate and I had to buy it separately.

I DID that once too. I find that a small piece of fabric used at the beginning and ending of quilting or piecing solves the jamming problem. It also saves on thread.