The best tip I have stumbled upon in trying to learn FMQ, is the same tip that I give my students when teaching them to ride a motorcycle, oddly enough...
That is: Look where you want to go, not where you are. If you look at the needle and what it's sewing, you'll always be behind, and it is difficult being smooth when you're behind what the machine is doing. Instead, always look ahead at where you want the line or curve or whatever to go -- your brain and your muscle memory will take care of the rest.
Works for me, at least...