I appreciate the original poster who suggested a step by step approach to solving her 'problems'. FMQ is a challenge because most machines are really designed for straight stitching and have lots of stitch variations. When we FMQ we have to over ride the machine's design. We see lovely machine quilting on a DSM. Patience is rewarded in the learning process. I took Harriet Hargrave's class and have her books. They are very well done. I've also incorporated information from lots of others to find my own path-and I'm willing to try just about anything any of you suggest. I do think that the right needles (topstitch) and the right size thread are essential.