I experienced some of the problems you stated, When I started free-motion, and meandering. The gloves, REALLY helped me, more then I can state. And then I focused on relaxing. I really had to focus on relaxing. Music helped ME. I'm not saying that is the solution for everybody, But that was my ninch. I use nothing on the bed of my machine, to make my fabric glide smoothly. Again the gloves really made the difference for me. My little 1.00 gloves, helped me immensely.