Did you drop the feed dogs or cover them? Did you decrease stitch length to zero? Can you try a couple different brands of threads? Are you sure you are using machine quilting thread or all purpose thread, not the hand quilting type? I really like the craftsy classes for learning. I would work on a very small quilt sandwich to practice and get used to it. I also have to dramatically change the tension on my machine when I go to do FMQing. I don't have to change the tension when I use the walking foot