Originally Posted by writerwomen
My technique may not be considered the perfect method but to avoid potential thread jams etc I keep the feed dogs down use the smallest stitch possible, stablizer, and the slowest speed I can get to manuver around my project.
That's when you use your needle down whenever you stop. Stop, needle down, lift foot and then you barely pivot your piece, foot down then stitch. I sure hope I don't sound like I think I know how better to do it then you, it just seems with feed dogs down you would loose a lot of your control.