Ok, got another question. I am practicing FMQ with some small square sandwiches and when I lower my darning foot it appears that there's not much room for the quilt to move freely. I brought one for my specific machine. I kept it up instead of lowering to see if I could still quilt but not so successful. Also I noticed on the back of the quilt instead of tight flat stitches theres loose loops around the thread not sure what I'm doing there. I set at zero, tension at about 4. Any suggestions? Thank you.

There is supposed to be a gap between the foot and the sandwich. This allows the sandwich to move freely.
Yes, the presser foots needs to be lowered, I have forgot and ended up with a mess on the back of my quilt :oops: :lol:

Bring your bobbin thread up to the top before you start quilting. Hold onto both threads while taking your first stitch or two :D:D:D

Can you post a picture of what the bobbin thread is doing? Sometimes it is easier to diagnose a problem if we can see it :D:D:D

Are the loose loops all over the back? Or just when you are starting out?

The foot has to be down so your tension will work - that's why you have loops on the back.

Does your machine drop feed dogs or have a plate to cover them? That will allow you to move the sandwich under the needle.

You didn't say what brand of machine you are using. I have a Pfaff and it has a "middle" position for the foot so that it doesn't ride on your quilt and still isn't fully up. If you have an owner's manual you might see if it gives instruction for setting up for machine quilting.

Thanks for the info. I should have metioned that yes I do bring up the bobbin thread. I have a kenmore. The feed dogs don't lower and I know it came with a cover because I looked on the box at what it came with and it said a cover but this machine was given to me some years ago and I never really used it until recent since I've discovered I love quilting. I took the advise of covering them with tape and or business card but again when I lower the foot it is very difficult to manuver the sandwich through and it bunches up as I try to gently feed it through with my hands. I will send a pic at the stiches so you can see the back. Thanks for you help. I really appriciate it.

It makes sense to have to have the foot lowered to prevent the loops in the back but having to lower the foot causes problem running sandwich through. I'm determined to get this right but need help to figure out prolem. thanks again.

One thought is that maybe your darning foot isn't on properly? I did this once.

it's on right. It's a low shank and only goes on one way with metal clasp around the shank with a screw that keeps it in place. I'll keep messin with it. I may even take a picture with foot down while quilting and have daughter take picture so you can actually see what it looks while in process of quilting. thanks. Off to church now.

Yes. Please send picture of foot.

and move your quilter slower too. too fast and you can get large stitches.