Such wonderful advice! I may have to try FMQ again, even though I'm still in the learning/practicing process. Thanks for the reminder. Here's Leah's blog: http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/

She really has tons of tips and lots of patterns to try. The videos make it look so easy. Check her sidebars on the right side of the blog for specific tutorials.

Maybe you are moving the fabric too fast? I just had a class on fmq and started everyone the way I was taught. Use no thread and "trash" paper. Just get the feel for the moving and aim to keep your stitches the same distance apart. Just keep at it until you are pleased. Then and only then go to fabric "sandwich" add thread and see how much more control you will have. Also, a bit expensive but invest in a "Supreme Slider" it is teflon and your fabric will glide over it. Just google Supreme Slider to see what it is. I use the slider and quilted a queen on my Janome mc6600. super nice
Barbara

YOU MENTIONED WHEN SEWING WITH YOUR REGULAR FOOT. YOU NEED TO PUT ON YOUR FREE MOTION FOOT, OR DARNING FOOT IT IS CALLED ON SOME MACHINES.

YOU NEED TO LOWER THE FEED DOGS AND LOWER THE PRESSURE ON THE FOOT.

YOUR MACHINE MANUAL SHOULD GIVE YOU ILLISTRATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS.

YOU THEN SHOULD HAVE NOT PROBLEM.

Try practicing on a scrap quilt sandwich until you get the hang of it and get your tension and all working together. I do this before starting on each quilt - a lot easier than working on a big quilt. Ripping out is hard on a big quilt - this way you just move to anothher spot. Works for me.

Several of the more experienced quilters have written that you do not lower the pressor foot to thread your needle. I think it is a little bit of all the great advice you got.

It could be the thread.