I usually love free motion quilting on my older bernina, but lately I'm getting some loops on the bottom. I don't know why. I always practice a new design on paper with a pencil first. This helps get the design pattern to register in my brain. Sometimes, I practice that design on a scrap, but when I'm really in the groove it's not something I always do. I do practice on a scrap a little before beginning each new project. I think the key is not letting the fabric hang over the table and getting drag. I kind of bunch it up around the machine but first place thick books behind the machine and make them into a sort of table. Music and one glass of wine helps me relax and enjoy the process.