I was using Hobbs 80/20 . I had the bumpy side up like I thought was the way to place it. I just did another one with the bumpy side down and it is doing great. The back is not black though. I have some warm and natural batting. I'll have to remember this tip on it. So, far my quilting with it has been great! My needle was new.( not to say it could have been defective. It is a size smaller than recommended for the machine so that it doesn't make the larger hole. Thanks for the info so far.