I don't see it messing up timing unless your feed dogs are up and you are pulling on the fabric. If you have been doing this for a long time and your machine is fine, then I wouldn't worry about it.

It's free motion so you turn your quit every which way. Doesn't really matter where you sit, imho.

What kind of machine do you have? I tried to turn mine around but I can't see well enough and can't reach my buttons. I have the Janome 6600P.

I didn't know timing was in the feed dogs. I've wanted to try sideways FMQ, great idea !

I have my machine turned that way on the mini pini frame and I can't imagine that the timing would have anything to do with it. I love it because it is so easy to get into my Juki for the bobbin when it sits sideways.

I have only been quilting for a little over a year and all I have done is stitch in the ditch and a top stitching with good results, but I want to learn to FMQ. I have been reading the posts about FMQ and I am ready to try it. Thinking about it, it seems to make sense to turn the machine to have more room for your arms. Thanks to all for the great tips I have picked up reading these posts.

Wow I never thought of that. I learn so much here. Thanks for the great idea.

I tried this..just can't get the hang of NOT seeing where my needles is heading...drives me nuts..so back to normal it went!

Timing involves the needle, bobbin assembly and feed dogs. All 3 are very important components. If one of those is out of whack, the timing is off.

Yes, I would agree with this driving me nuts too.