Gayle8675309

I've read quite a few comments from people saying to use a straight stitch plate for FMQing. Can someone explain to me why a straight stitch plate makes it easier?

Thanks!

slbram17

What I have always heard about the straight stitch plate is it keeps fabric from being eaten up by the machine (going down that zig zag opening).

Serita

ragamuffin

I think they are talking about the plate with one small hole for the needle, thus your fabric "can't go down the hole".

Tartan

A straight stitch plate is good for piecing triangles so the machine doesn't "eat" the points. I would NOT use it for FMQ! As careful as you are to not pull the quilt enough to bend the needle, it does happen. If you had a straight stitch plate and bend the needle, it will hit the plate.

QuiltE

The single hole plate will help stabilize the fabric and keep your stitching lines straighter and nicer. Plus, it avoids "eating" up the beginning edges of your seams.

Same for FMQ ... nicer smoother stitching.

AliKat

There is more control of the fabric with the single hole throat plate. Less space for fabric or thread to get messed up in.

For fmq-ing you aren't supposed to pull or push the fabric but gently move it with the stitching. I've never broken a needle because of using the single hole throat plate.

DOTTYMO

Oh I'm more confused after reading this than I was.
I'll do what I normally do.

Knitette

I'd never used one on my Janome, but when I got my Pfaff QE4 I noticed a huge difference! Fabric would invariably disappear down the hole and I'd end up unpicking knots and have frayed corners.

Apparently it's a problem recognised by Pfaff and I got a free straight stitch plate with the 'Quilters Bonus Pack' or some such.

Luckily I can set the machine to remind me when the plate is on so I don't break needles by trying to zig-zag with it on, lol. I've never encountered a problem with FMQ with the ordinary plate.

Zinda

Some machines will tend to eat the start of the stitching (unless you use a scrap piece of fabric to start stitching) if you are using a regular throat plate. I've never had a problem with FMQ using a smaller hole throat plate.

QuiltE

What's the confusions, DottyMo?