COMPATIBLE WITH MACHINE MODEL Its crucial to ensure that the needle plate is compatible with your specific sewing machine model Using the wrong needle plate can lead to sewing issues and potential damage to your machine The primary function of the needle plate is to provide a hole through which the sewing machine needle passes The size and shape of this hole can vary depending on the machine and the type of stitching it is designed for straight stitch and zigzag stitch EASY INSTALLATION Needle plates are designed to be easily installed and removed making it simple to switch between different plates when using different sewing techniques The needle plates can become scratched or damaged due to the needle repeatedly striking them Many domestic sewing machines allow for the replacement of needle plates when they wear out The plates have markings to help you align the needle for various stitch positions such as center left or right needle positions MAINTENANCE CLEANING Needle plates should be easy to remove and clean Regular cleaning and maintenance of the needle plate can help extend the life of your sewing machine Accumulated lint and debris can affect the quality of your stitching Depending on the sewing machine model the needle plate may be marked with guidelines for various stitches helping you select the appropriate stitch for your project SMOOTH SURFACE The surface of the needle plate should be smooth to prevent fabric from snagging or getting caught during stitching The needle plates have markings to help you maintain a consistent seam allowance while sewing These lines or measurements are usually in both inches and centimeters They feature stitch guides or seam guides that help you sew straight lines or maintain a consistent distance from the fabric edge MATERIAL DURABILITY Needle plates are typically made from metal often stainless steel to ensure durability and longevity Metal needle plates can withstand the pressure of the needle and provide a smooth sewing surface The plates have slots or openings through which the feed dogs move the fabric forward or backward during stitching These slots are designed to accommodate different types of fabric and stitch patterns