EasyPeezy

Personally I don't think it makes any difference plus you'd have to always remember
to change stitch plate every time you move the needle. That's why I seldom use mine.
If you starch your fabric well and use leaders it won't eat your fabric. Sewing triangles
can be a little more tricky. You have to feed your pieces very close to the leader or
other piece. Hope this helps.

Midwestmary

Thanks, ladies for your input. I think I will eventually purchase one as I do mostly piecing and FMQ. Appreciarte the tips regarding remembering to change the plate!

omaluvs2quilt

It does help with piecing. My machine no longer eats fabric, lol...DO remember to change them when reverting to decorative stitching, ask me how I know (only once though, haha). My 6600 did not come with it, I had to purchase separate, and glad I did.

DogHouseMom

I have it and never use it. My reason is that for a measured (after ironing) 1/4" seam I have to move my needle position. Can't do that with the single hole plate.

I don't have a problem with the machine sucking the fabric into the wider slot if I use a starter piece. I also position my fabric right up to the needle (I always start with the needle in the down position), and this seems to help too.

It's possible I might start using it again if I go back to garment sewing though, I can see it coming in handy then.

QuiltE

ITA with Threads ... and would save my $ to purchase the 3 piece special FMQ feet combo. Makes FMQing much smoother and nicer than the standard darning foot. I particularly like the plastic one.

I've sewn a lot of miles since getting my 6600 and haven't had problems with it eating my fabric at the start, as some seem to be having. I too, move my needle to get a 1/4" seam, and for other times, so the straight stitch plate wouldn't be feasable.

I have not found the need for leaders/enders. When I was told/shown that in the store, I was totally skeptical. Gradually I "braved" it ... and guess what? They were correct! Oh how much simpler sewing is with the thread cutter, andno leaders/enders!

Jamiestitcher62

I bought my 6600 new and the straight stitch plate was not part of the "included" items. I bought it after I started having trouble with the machine eating the fabric. Then I realized it was kind of a pain to have to replace the plate everytime I wanted to piece and it worked, but wasn't perfect. I traded in the 6600 within 8 months for the 7700 and don't have that problem with the 7700.

I'd say go for it, can't hurt to give it a shot.

MaryLane

I don't use it because I move the needle to get the 1/4 inch seam I want. I have never had fabric "eaten" and I don't use leaders.