what foot are you using? a *hopping foot* (darning, free motion---they are called different things in different locales) ? the needle choice needs to coincide with the weight of the thread---visit the 'Superior Threads' web site to find charts on what needle to use with what thread. some machines are made to stitch in one direction- and do not take well to changing direction- but if you have your feed dogs down, a free motion foot on, the correct size/type needle for the type/weight of thread you *might* be able to 'fool' the machine. if we knew what machine you are 'trying' to use we may have more ideas/suggestions for you.