I have the Janome 6600P and I use a metallic needle when I FMQ. If I were you I would get out the manual and start at the beginning. Follow it step by step as to how to thread your machine including how to make sure the bobbin is in the proper way. Find a good tutorial on the 'net for FMQ and watch it a couple of times. MOST IMPORTANT thing I can say is RELAX, it is only a sewing machine and soon you will love it. Please don't give up on it, you are already headed in the right direction by asking for help on here. Good luck.