If you can adjust the stitch length I find a length of 3.5 to 4mm is ok. Not too big but big enough to unpick. As fot the little holes if you scratch them a bit with your finger nail they will close up. Try it and see. Luv Suet

I always make sure the bobbin thread sticks out of the needle plate an inch or so, otherwise my Designer does the same: it does not connect until halfway through.

mine is the same as mops, be sure to pull a little extra of the bobbin before you start. that way I always manage to get those first stitches. Quirk of the machine I guess.

I also have some miss stiching in the beginning of a large baste stitch ,so I turn the wheel by hand and draw up the bobbin thread by holding on to the top thread.(keep fingers clear)
If you can design just add some extra stiches(points)closer together at the start.
To prevent permanent holes (torn )I use a 'Jersey" or "Ballpoint" needle special for stretch fabric.
A glue stick 'pritt' holds fabric in place then I don't baste it.(it is water soluble).
Happy stitching!
From Bev

Same of those large basting stitches take two or three times coming down into the thread plate to catch the bobbin thread - I suggest that you just pull up your bobbin thread - before you start the stitching and that should eliminate the problem.

yep same answer from me too , you must make sure your bobbin thread has a good tail on the top ,I usually have about 2"

Thank you, thank you for answering my question. I will make sure that I have the bobbin thread at the top. I knew that I could rely on the Cuties. *4 all.

Thank you for asking - and everyone for answering - this happens to me all the time and I restart it over and over and then end up with a hole in the item!