I am making my first attempt at FMQ. Where do you start? I thought you started quilting from the center out. If I do this I have this loose end in the middle of my quilt. Can I assume stitchlength depends on the speed in which I am sewing? My presser foot does not rest on the quilt. The quilt sort of slides all over, is this right? Or do I need an adjustment?

Thanks for all of your wisdom. :?:

Normally, yes. Start in the center. BUT I normally start in a seam and do a couple of stitches, then take off. No one is going to see exactly where you started unless you post a sign. :-)

If I have rows then I SID first, then I can take out all my pins and FMQ in the squares or blocks anywhere on the quilt. If I don't SID first, then I start FMQ from the center.

You can tie a knot and hide it in your batting so the loose end at the center isn't a problem.

The stitch length is determined by the machine speed and the speed you move your fabric.

The FMQ foot may just barely touch the quilt. It should be very easy to move around.

If you'd like some great tips, look for Leah Day either on You Tube or her personal site. She offers great videos for beginner to andvance FMQ.

It would be helpful to know what books you have or classes taken or tutorials watched related to FMQ. This would help in answering some of your questions.

are you lowering your presser foot? it should be lowered, feed dogs down- and yes, your stitch length will depend on how fast you move the fabric around in relation with the machine speed.==if your stitches are too big either slow down how fast you are moving your sandwich or speed up how fast the machine is going. (and vise-versa)
Practice on a small practice piece before working on a real project.
some people find it easier if wearing gloves with little gripper dots on them...there are lightweight ones available in lqs and craft stores or some people use gardening gloves.