I was doing similiar practices, then I came across this website:
http://www.daystyledesigns.com/freemotionfoot.htm
Please watch and learn how to modify your darning foot. I modified my foot and I am almost a pro at meandering within about 20 minutes of practice. Continue watching her quilting videos and you'll be a happy free motion quilter in a short amount of time with jumping joy!!! The slider for your sewing machine is very helpful and will stop your material from stopping or hooking on your machine and quilter's gloves that fit help also. Start with a new needle and sometimes setting your machine to a slower speed is helpful. Experiment with little or no tension. Good luck!!!
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