I have had the same problem and just couldn't win the battle. I finally pruchased the stripes that adhere to your machine I did test strips and when I got it right I stuck one on. The quilt I'm working on now is the first I've used them on and it is coming out better than any I've made so far. The plastic strip is kind of raised so you ride the fabric next to it. One of my problems was I didn't have the fabric running stright all the time. this helps with that also. Good luck!