I practiced on 12" sandwiches daily about 30 min to 1 hr each day. Set tension and pressure changing just a tiny bit till the eyelashes quit appearing. I use same thread in top & bobbin. When sandwich is fully stitched I add just a layer of fabric on top and bottom using the old sandwich. Oh, same type thread but different color thread so I can tell if top thread or if bobbin needs adjustment. Practicing loops got me no where. When I began by stitching my name and names of other folks I smoothed out. Once I add the rhythm I switched to quitlty designs. Hope something in this will help you. Also, I think I have Janome 6600P set on medium speed sewing and I use foot pedal, move slowly with hands. I tried gloves, but love Mr. Clean sponges instead of gloves. They grip the fabric and I can move it better. This works best on the actual quilt. A 12" is a bit small for using the sponges.