Good info Ritzy you explained it well especially about the needle and feeding into the fabric by hand and then start stitching.
Thank you all for your input
Anne

Anne, I don't have this machine but I do have a Husqvarna. I sometimes have the same problem. I think that Kim's advice is good. This is what I do to keep it from happening. If you are just doing straight stitching, try using a straight stitch plate instead of a zig-zag plate. Also, the advice about a new needle helps with mine--if the needle isn't sharp it is going to force the fabric in the hole instead of going through the fabric. One other thing I have my daughter do when she is sewing with my machine, she is a beginner and has this problem a lot, is put the fabric in place, and hand feed the needle into the fabric, then start stitching. Hope something in this is of value.

Thank you everyone for your input.
I don't know why I put emerald 119 when it a 118 (intelectual malfunction) or senior moment, anyway I am still having the same problem, the machine sews OK so I am just going to start sewing further down the fabric and then back stitch to secure.
I will be at the Festival of Quilts in August and will talk to someone on the Husqvarna stand "maybe the person who sold it to me 3 years ago". Of course maybe all the 118 are like that and there really isn't anything wrong with it.
Anne

Try holding on to both top and bobbin threads as you start and give them a slight tug to get you going. Also try using a spare piece of fabric to start the icky stitches and then chain feed the real fabric after that.

HTH

Kim

Maybe you solved the problem already, but I want to add a bit. Try starting on the middle of a fabric to see if the problem is there also. Are the feed dogs on? On one of my machines I can set the presser foot in a position so it doesn't touch the fabric (for free motion something) and if yours have that feature, but you have forgotten that could cause a problem like you describe. Try to remember what you have done since you last used it and it worked.
I hope you find out.

Have you tried changing the needle and have you checked the thread tension? Simple but sometimes it makes a difference.

Thanks for all your help but I have cleaned it, and also turned the foot pressure wheel on the side and it doesn't seem to make much difference it still wants to eat my fabric.
Anne

Hi Anne, I don't have this machine but I am wondering does it have a foot presser gauge somewhere on the top or the left-hand side of the machine? Is it possible that it got pressed or adjusted somehow? Do you have the manual? Maybe there would be something in there to help, if you haven't checked already.

Always seems to cost that to service

Try cleaning out the fluff from the feed dogs and see if that helps.

HELP!
I have the above sewing machine that I use for classes but there seems to be something wrong with the PRESSURE as when I start sewing it just chews up my fabric as it is pressing down too hard on the fabric.
I have tried adjusting it but it doesn't seem to make any difference.
I phoned a local repair shop and they want over £80.00 to service it, the machine only cost £219.00 so I think that is a bit steep.
Has anyone had this problem? I'm tempted to take it apart myself to see if I can do anything myself.
Anne