I had to purchase the straight stitching plate for my Bernina. I use it for all of my quilting; but use the zigzag plate for all other sewing. I would not like to piece or do FMQ without the straight stitch plate.

I too had to purchase a straight stitch needle plate and use all the time that I am just straight stitching. It just works better.

I have a Viking and you can set an indicator when you change to the single hole plate. Once set, it won't let you switch to a stitch or setting where the needle will hit the plate. Really saved lots of needles once I got in the habit of setting the indicator.

My Babylock has both plates, but I don't usually bother to change, even for piecing. My machine will not stitch if you have it set on zig zag, or a decorative stitch, if the single hole plate is in place!

My machine didn't come with one either. I had to buy a generic one and although they swore it was made to fit the model of machine it had, I still had to use my dremel to modify it to seat correctly in place.

I use both. I put a magnetic strip on my (non-computerized) machine and put the other stitch plate there. It is real handy to not have to dig for it.

piney

I use the straight stitch plate in my old Bernina because I use it exclusively for FMQ.

...the straight stitch plate in my Featherweight because it doesn't have the capacity for zigzagging (and I don't have an attachment).

...the zigzag stitch plate in my Singer 401A because I use it for piecing and general sewing.

I use both on my machines that have zigzag capabilities. Since I mostly piece on my treadle it only has a straight stitch

I love my straight stitch plate for piecing and free motion. For piecing, the ends of the fabric doesn't get dragged down into the throat plate. And for free motion.....I think I get a better stitch quality.

Now my regular throat plate I have been using quite a bit for buttonhole stitching on an applique project.

I couldn't see living without both.

Some lady was saying she just used tape to make her zigzag straight the other day, with I could find the thread for you