The 401 and 501 are not the best FMQing machines. You raise the plate to do this and it's not smooth. And the drop in bobbin isn't the best for FMQing. I'm not saying you 'can't' but that these machines are great all around sewing, quilting using a walking foot, and piecing machines, but for FMQing, you'd probably be better off using one of your other machines.