I don't own a Janome 7700, but do have 8900 SE, and numerous other Janomes. I took the 8900 out of the box, didn't even change the factory needle. Looked up instructions in my book that came with the machine. Followed the directions, plugged my machine in and FMQ a small test sandwich. It was perfect, to my surprise. Then I took the same machine that weekend to a FMQ Bootcamp.....put in the needle the teacher told us to bring, threaded with beautiful new thread. OMG, immediately had issues with broken thread, eyelashes on the back, and then, a broken needle flying in my face. The teacher came over, she wouldn't figure it out.....then I turned my thread spool to the side and saw writing....it gave me a totally different needle size for that thread. Changed the needle and it worked perfectly. Needle and thread have to be compatible. Also, make sure your pressure foot bar is down! Another student had that issue. Gliding is good, but you still need some pressure....test that and the other issues mentioned, and try again. Also there is a Janome yahoo group for 7700.....members love to share information