I actually lower the tension when I FMQ as janome suggests When using metallics superior thread suggest a tension of 1! I guess you do what your particular machine needs. It also depends how your bobbin holder is adjusted. That's why they sell the blue dot ones. So you don't have to adjust bobbin holder for FMQ. On my old machine I adjusted the bobbin holder myself when needed. I had two. One for FMQ and another for other sewing. I'm not sure if the blue dot bobbin has made a difference on janome. I keep forgetting to switch it out and it hasn't made much difference.