I never could understand the faster speed idea that I have seen published so often. When I first started FMQ I had lots of problems with shredded thread and poor tension. Sometimes the thread would appear on the top and other times the bottom. That did not make sense to me. When I really slowed down and was in control of where my stitches went I solved all those problems. I do not use a slider (I sewed it into a quilt at one point) I was told by a trained Bernina tech that my machine (and others) did not like those washer things in the bobbin case. I now go slowly; plan ahead for where I am going to quilt; keep my quilt 'puddled' around where I am quilting; and,use a #14 topstitch needle. I can use a variety of thread types and can use a different thread on the top and bottom with no problems. Slow and steady win the race-just like the tortoise.