Originally Posted by amma
FMQ feet do ride up high, unlike the rest of the feet we normally use. This extra space helps to be able to freely move the fabric underneath it :D:D:D
Are you lowering the presser foot?
I have a different machine (Viking). I was told by the rep that the Free Motion Quilting foot should always be touching the fabric, lightly. It should be gently moving up and down with the rythm of the needle going up and down. On my machine, I originally had that same gap. I had the wrong function in the setting. If the fabric is "jumping" even a little, you will get birds nests on the back and other problems. Search "free motion quilting" on You Tube. You will see close ups of machine quilting. Note how the foot is touching the fabric. Since it is new, I would call the dealer, or do a You Tube search with your machine brand. A lot of stores and instructors put stuff up. Good luck.