It just takes a lot of practice to learn without one. If you can find that comfortable speed on your DSM, observe the speed that the foot feeds the quilt thru then hit that speed when doing free motion so you know the speed in which to move the quilt thru at a constant speed. Always be sure to look ahead of where you want to go NOT at the needle. Try NOT to stop on a curve but plan where to stop and reposition. Just like driving.