The presser foot should just let go of a business card when the needle bar (no needle) is in it's lowest position.
I also turn my needle slightly to the right.
I usually use a size 100 needle for quilting.
The hook should pass into the cut-out area of the needle, and touch the needle when the needle is gently pressed.
I saw a crazy white on white fabric that would skip stitches every time the needle hit the ink. Does your fabric have thick ink on it?