For anyone that is trying to FMQ using a Brother ult 2003d embroidery machine, here are the steps that I took that finally made it possible for me to FMQ on my ult2003. I now love to FMQ on my Brother embroidery machine:
1) Feed dogs down
2) Used Q presser foot
3) Choose stitch 1-30
4) changed tension to 3.6
5) wore quilting gloves
6) used coats machine quilting mercerized cotton - 30 wt on top and bottom (tried other threads and this Coats was the only one that I could get to work!)
7) used a cone thread stand (the thread was happy when I did this)
8) I use ONLY Schmetz 'topstitch' 80/12 needles. I use topstitch needles for all sewing including embroidery. They work the best and keep the thread for fraying and breaking.
Lots of steps but now it's like a dream come true!
Good luck,
Sande