I am FMQ on my domestic machine. My top thread keeps nesting and then breaking. I don't have this problem on my 100% cotton practice quilt piece, but thread breaks as soon as I start on the table runner. It is made of batiks. Any ideas?

it sound like the top tenson is to tight. back it of some if that dosnt help try you bottom bobbin.

Before I start quilting I usually practice on a scrap piece made from the same fabric as the quilt - apparently all fabric is not created equal! I'd try the usual first - re-thread the machine, change the needle, make sure feed dogs are down, etc. Also, clean out the bobbin case area. There may be a lint build-up that's causing your problem.
Karen

the first thing i do:

take the thread out and re thread it
(it may be jumping the guide)

check the bobbin area out..remove racer,put a drop of oil in the wick.

change the needle.

check your tension..

what machine are you using?

you may need to change needle size- or adjust your tension-
when possible you should practice on the same fabric/batting sandwich as the real thing- then you can work out any issues before starting on the 'real-thing'
batik's are a tighter weave than the cottons that are (normally called quilting cottons) so they need a finer/sharper needle

Try a larger needle. I generally use a topstitch needle for FMQing on my regular sewing machine. My guess that the problem is the batik fabric. It's beautiful fabric, but it can be a pain.