I have an experienced quilting friend who struggled with quilting batiks on her Homesteader. She called teachers, mechanics, other experienced quilting friends, and this is what worked for her:
First she spritzed the top with water, so it was slightly damp. This helped a bit, but she was still having problems, so then she spritzed it with fabric softener. This helped a bit more, but still had problems. So she sprayed silicone spray on the top, and after that it quilted beautifully.
Hope this helps!