need help with featherweight problem
 

Hi all, need some help with my featherweight. It's been working fine for the couple of years I've had it, but now it's acting up. I'll be sewing along just fine, and now, all of the sudden, the needle hits the throat plate. The first time this happened, I backstitched and when I went forward, the needle struck the throat plate. I have checked everything I can think of, bent needle, needle size, threading, etc. Still doing it after 10 to 20 stitches. Also, I do not tug on the fabric or pull on it. Any help anyone can give me would be appreciated. Thanks.

are you sure it is hitting the needle plate and not the hook?

Steve's question is a good one. If the needle is hitting the needle plate, you would most certainly see the damage on the needle plate! Other than that, I yield to those with more mechanical knowledge than me!
One thing just occurred to me though, check your needle to make sure it's fully installed and not dragging, also check the needle clamp screw to make sure it's holding the needle tightly. Other than that, I yield to the experts!

Jeanette

Is it possible the top thread is snagging in the tension assembly, yanking the needle?

Check to see that the needle is in correctly and if you took the throat plate off you will need to put it in correctly - that info should be in your manual.

Thanks for your replies and suggestions. As it turned out, I was using a "little foot" which has a plastic clamp to attach the foot to the machine. One section of the plastic was broken, but not completely through, so it was hard to spot. When I reversed the stitching and forwarded it again, the needle would slightly hit the foot which caused the needle to get pushed forward a little and then hit the throat plate. Appreciate your help.

Great detective work! Hope your throat plate isn't too scarred or rough, but it is replaceable of course.