A throat plate is a flat, removable component found on sewing machines. It sits beneath the needle and provides a stable surface for fabric as it is fed through the machine. The throat plate often has markings to help guide sewing lines and is designed to accommodate the machine's feed dogs, which help move the fabric. Throat plates come in various types, including those with different hole sizes for different needle types. Some sewing machines, like those made by Brother or Singer, offer interchangeable throat plates for specific sewing tasks, such as quilting or embroidery, enhancing versatility and precision.