Wow this is such a timely posting. I like you avoided free motion quilting. Whenever I would attempt it the back was all laddered and looked terrible. Then several weeks fmq was brought up and several many members gave some tips. I thought I must try again. I am proud to say I have just completed fmq a lap quilt. It turned out pretty well. I would post a picture, but it is in the washing machine. I also used Elmer school glue basting my quilt so I need to wash it out. Elmer school glue for basting is another tip I learned from this board. So here are the methods for fmq that work fro me. Before you begin. Pracitice and practice drawing the pattern you want to use. I used a pen and the Sunday paper. You need to imprint the pattern in your brain. (Or at least I needed to). The I did the following; 1. Use a 90/14 needle. 2. Use ths same colour thread in the bobbin as the top. 3. Spray baste, or use Elmer school glue to baste your quilt. 4.DON'T DROP YOUR FEED DOGS. BUT DO USE YOUR HOPPING DARNING FOOT. I tried using both methods, but dropping the feed dogs didn't give me the control I needed.
5. Practice, Practice, practice.