This is my first attempt at FMQ. Everytime I lower the feed dogs and start sewing, the machine either skips stitches or doesn't stitch at all. It sews just fine when the presser foot is tight against the fabric but once it is loose...It's got to be the operator.
Thanks

Set your speed faster and move your sandwich a little faster. It takes a few minutes to get the hang of it. Make sure your presser foot is lowered too, I made that mistake at first. :lol:

what kind of machine? some you have reduce the presser foot pursuer and if you moving to fast or not smooth it will do that do you have some kind of a stitch regulator on you machine
i would go on u tube and watch some FMq till you get the hang of it someone said take paper towels folded and practice on that so you don't wast fabric keep me posted i will try to help

Try FMQing with the feed dogs up. Lots of quilters prefer to do it that way, and it may solve your problem.

Are you using a darning foot (jumping foot)?

Thanks. It is a very old singer. I bought it just for this. The directions for darning which is the closest to FMQ but with no foot. I think you are correct to ask me about the foot, the thread is out of control the way I am doing it. I will be near Joann's tomorrow so I'll buy one and try it.

Thanks all of you.

Thanks. I will go to utube and watch in addition to buying the foot.

let us know how ur doing

On many machines, the upper tension is released, if the presser foot lever is in the up position. You may need to buy a Darning or Free Motion Embroidery foot for your machine. Or try to use the machine with the presser foot lever in the down position and no presser foot attached.

That is what is happening and I didn't know it. Thanks so much. I love this site.