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I'm currently working on a quilt made with batiks and am having an issue with the needle not penetrating the fabric when performing the first securing stitch. The area I'm having issues with is usually a corner and I realize that batiks are denser than most cottons but it almost sounds like the motor is struggling to drive the needle down. I've also had issues with the needle up/down where I press the button and the motor sounds like it's moving the needle up and down but it doesn't. I have to turn the machine off and back on again for it to work. This usually happens after I've had the problem with the first securing stitch but not every time. I searched this forum and found the videos on adjusting the needle up/down on the back of the machine but wanted to ask here first if that is what the issue might be. I'm not having any issues once the machine starts sewing or when securing away from a seam...though the needle does hesitate sometimes. I'm using a 100/16 3.5 needle and 50wt Glide thread. I've thought about switching to a thinner needle but my stitches look fine as is. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Cathy 2015 Freedom w/Intelliquilter