I have been reading this thread with interest. I have a Bernina 153QE, no BSR and last Christmas I was trying to FMQ with nothing but skipped stitches. I was using a microfleece for a backing and the dealer said it was the backing so I ripped it all out and put on a different one (flannel) and it quilted perfect. I tell you I was pulling my hair out for a few days but some of these new fibers don't quilt well.