Straight Stitch Plate?
04-09-2014, 04:07 AM
#51
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: California
Posts: 14,723
Originally Posted by Knitette
Don't think you're ignorant at all - there's probably a few people who've read this and don't know either, but weren't brave enough to ask!
A straight stitch plate has a small round hole, just a bit bigger than the needle, whereas the generic or ordinary plates that normally come with modern machines, have a longish oval/kidney-shaped hole.
The long oval hole allows you to use the 'fancy' stitches such as zig-zag and blanket, which weren't usual on the older, traditional 'straight-stitch' models. Most modern machines now come with this bigger hole so the machines can use a variety of stitches - the needle 'swings' back and forth to make the stitch.
One of the disadvantages that this bigger hole has, is that it leaves plenty of room for fabric to 'disappear' into (something I am well acquainted with, particularly at corners). You may hear people commenting that their machine 'eats' their fabric and use small pieces of fabric at the beginning and end of sewing to prevent this (leaders and enders).
Some machines have a bigger appetite than others, lol. By using a straight-stitch plate, with a small hole, it prevents the fabric going into the hole and the need for leaders.
A straight stitch plate has a small round hole, just a bit bigger than the needle, whereas the generic or ordinary plates that normally come with modern machines, have a longish oval/kidney-shaped hole.
The long oval hole allows you to use the 'fancy' stitches such as zig-zag and blanket, which weren't usual on the older, traditional 'straight-stitch' models. Most modern machines now come with this bigger hole so the machines can use a variety of stitches - the needle 'swings' back and forth to make the stitch.
One of the disadvantages that this bigger hole has, is that it leaves plenty of room for fabric to 'disappear' into (something I am well acquainted with, particularly at corners). You may hear people commenting that their machine 'eats' their fabric and use small pieces of fabric at the beginning and end of sewing to prevent this (leaders and enders).
Some machines have a bigger appetite than others, lol. By using a straight-stitch plate, with a small hole, it prevents the fabric going into the hole and the need for leaders.
04-09-2014, 04:33 AM
#52
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: The Granite City, Scotland
Posts: 1,635
Brenda - I'm of the 'Ain't broke, don't fix it' school. I'd never used one on my Janome and didn't feel the need. However, when I got my Pfaff QE4, I got one included in the deal and I was glad I did! Reviews on the Pfaff had also highlighted that it 'ate' fabric which is why they probably included it.
I wouldn't buy one unless you really needed it. I don't have one on my Pfaff Passport I use for class and don't see me buying one any time soon (naturally the other one doesn't fit, lol).
I wouldn't buy one unless you really needed it. I don't have one on my Pfaff Passport I use for class and don't see me buying one any time soon (naturally the other one doesn't fit, lol).
04-09-2014, 05:41 AM
#53
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 226
wide plate on Bernina
I don't have a single hole plate for my Bernina and haven't been able to find one. (maybe it's old enough that they don't have them) & as a result I can't piece on it to my satisfaction. Not only does it push the material in the hole but the wide feed dogs (9mm) don't feed a 1/4" seam allowance well. So I put it aside & piece with my FW or Juki. The Bernina was not a good investment.
04-09-2014, 05:59 AM
#55
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Illinois
Posts: 244
You definitely want to get a straight stitch plate! I have mine on the machine most of the time. It is really great for FMQ. Unfortunately you do have to REMEMBER to change it when you are going to use a different stitch. But once you break a needle, remembering becomes much easier.
04-09-2014, 06:42 AM
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Twin Falls, ID
Posts: 1,409
Yes - I do have one, and I use it all the time except for when I am sewing zig zag or decorative stitches. It really helps with piecing, sewing and machine embroidery. I have a Pfaff that tells me to remove my straight stitch plate when I chose a stitch that won't work with it and I am forever grateful for that feature otherwise I would have a whole lot of broken needles.
It really is worth the cost of the plate. Go get one.
Julie
It really is worth the cost of the plate. Go get one.
Julie
04-09-2014, 08:39 AM
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 2,879
ABSOLUTLEY!! I bought one for my old machine because someone recommended it, and I loved it . So when I purchased my new machine,the single hole plate was the first accessory I purchased. I wouldn't piece without it! If money is an issue, I would advise you to forgo any fabric purchases till you can afford one. It's indespensible!!
04-09-2014, 11:26 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pueblo, Co
Posts: 663
It's worth the investment if you don't have one. This plate usually come as the original on your sewing machine. Try using beginners and enders, scraps of fabric to begin stitching. My Elna does the same thing and using beginners is how I solved the problem.
04-09-2014, 02:11 PM
#60
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 192
A definite must in my books. However I do suggest you get some way of reminding yourself that you have the plate on and do not switch to zig zag etc. or you will have lots of broken needles. I have a bright pink clip that I put on the extra spool holder on my machine so it is in sight all the time. When I change plates I store the clip on the plate before i put it away. It has saved me a lot of needles and bad language.
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