First thing I do is clean and oil machine if it is needing it, put in a new needle, wind several bobbins, then get ready to sew....I bring the bottom thread up to the top, take 3-4 stitches going forward about a thread with each stitch, then start taking stitches at the stitch length I like. I also end stitching by taking the really short stitches. I don't like to stitch exactly in place. Remember to breathe while quilting!