I'm just learning to FMQ and found the same problems, I tried everything. Fortunately my machine goes back to the original tension when it's shut off because I played and played with the tension. Although I do need to change the tension some, I found that my machine doesn't like the "Big Foot" for quilting, it likes the crafting foot. I was ready to give up and that was my last change. It had taken me 3 hrs. with the Big Foot and trying everything. As soon as I changed the foot, I finished the quilt (a mini for practice) in less than 30 min. and it looks great. As I keep telling myself....practice practice practice. So keep on practicing, and good luck.