Originally Posted by
judi wess
There might be a position between up and down that the lifter will rest on. Gently nudge the presser foot lever back as you lower it and see if the FMQ position is there. My QE will only work FMQ properly when in this position, think it has something to do with the tension being engaged without being in the down mode.
Judi is absolutely correct! You must raise (or lower) the presser foot while nudging the lever to the back, and you will feel a "resting place" before it is completely lowered. This engages the tension but leaves the darning foot up enough to move your quilt underneath. I have a #1475, and #1171...and that's how they both work. You want to also make sure the IDT foot is raised (the walking foot).