I free motion quilt with the feed dogs intact. My feed dogs don't drop. I can physically remove them but that is a real hassle because then when I need to stitch something else I have to put them back in. I use a professional machine, a cast iron work horse, that does straight, zig zag and reverse and I manage very well. I just put my stitch length to zero. This way the dogs don't move. My biggest hold-back was my mind, not my machine. When the even foot fell apart from so much use and I couldn't find a replacement my mind kicked in. I now wish I had received this kick start years ago. Tension plays in even in regular sewing so that has never been a problem for me. Remember to check the back side often because it might be a boar's nest of loops while the front looks beautiful.