Thanks folks. I tried turning the reel around at the time, but didn't seem to make any difference. Interesting about the speed differences though cos I am rather an erratic stitcher using the foot pedal! Also the machine has a verical spool holder you can attach for "second needle sewing"?? I suppose I could've tried that.
I didn't know whether to leave all the bad stitches in or rip them out and risk ripping the quilt also (it was that tight!) In the end I did a bit of both!