Originally Posted by thepolyparrot
You don't really have to cover the feed dogs - just set the stitch length to neutral or "0" to keep them from moving forward or backward.
Yes, reduce or eliminate the pressure on the presser bar.
Thanks for the suggestion. I tried the lowest stitch length it offers but it still advances the material. Even with the presser foot pressure very, very low there's a lot of drag when trying to move the fabric smoothly :( I suppose I could just remove the feed dogs but I've got a feeling that I'll appreciate this machine more for piecing than FMQ anyway so I probably won't go there.
Originally Posted by thepolyparrot
In the meantime, you can use whatever foot you have on hand to play around with the idea. Make 14-16" squares of muslin with batting in between and start stitching. Your visibility isn't going to be great, but practice looking ahead of the foot - keep an imaginary line going where you want it to be.
I was working with sandwiches but your visualization exercise sounds like it will help me with any FMQ - it just feels right. Thanks! Most likely we'll go with a workhorse straight stitch machine (current thought is a Juki 2010q) for quilting and for her piecing. I think I'll enjoy the relaxation aspect of using the treadle machine more than she will so I'll probably use the Singer for pretty much anything I play with - it reminds me of some of my other hobbies (antique woodworking tools and bicycles) in its simplicity and pace.