I just read that you were using a ballpoint needle......you should never use a ballpoint with quilt cotton. Knit fabric, yes.
Never mess with your machine tension when free motion quilting until you first straight stitch on a sample sandwich. If your straight stitch is good, your tension is where it should be.
Check your thread path for any "hang ups"
90/14 topstitch needle is good (sometimes a microtex needle works well)
50 wt. Thread
Test a sandwich, including your glue baste. Try your straight stitch and then your circles?
Is your quilt moving freely under your needle for FMQ.?
Are your feed dogs down?
Before starting you FMQ, hold on to your top Thread and bring your bobbin Thread to the top..
lower your foot and go for it.....you will do great.
I hope your machine works without problems.
Best wishes, keep up the good work.