I have tried it both ways and like it better when the feed dogs are up and stitch length set to zero. I do use a FMQ foot. I have several. I do this on the machines that I FMQ on. My favorite with the best stitch is my dinky mechanical Brother, bought at Costco about 13 years ago. It has a small throat so I don't FMQ giant quilts on it, but, I do like it best. I have several vintage machines that I use somethings (301, 15)