I have this machine and I agree it can be a bit over- whelming. You aren't turning the knob on the side to lower the needle are you?? My machine JUST hates that when I did it at first. I haven't tried FMQ but I have read somewhere if you have trouble it might be you need a different bobbin case. Why, I do not know. I love my different stitches and I will never used the buttonholder either, but my DC2010 had it also. Relax and do not let it get the better on you.