free motion quilting
 

I am new to fmq and I need to know how to set the needle length, or do you?

Do you mean stitch length?? I set mine to zero usually but I have had times I have forgotten and it hasn't really made much difference, you control the size of the stitches with how fast or slow you move your quilt top. It takes practice, don't forget to breathe ;)

I do both set to zero and forget. The main ting is to relax. make sure your quilt top has plenty of room around your machine. I swear by quilting gloves. I find these make the real difference.

I never changed mine at all. Since the feed dogs are down, it shouldn't make any difference.

You didn't say what type of machine you have. If you have a longarm quilting machine, you probably won't need to change the needle height (unless you have a quilt with a lot of thick seams etc.). Start with it at a regular height and see how it is working. I always start with a test quilt sandwich first to loosen up and make sure my machine is behaving.

Setting it to zero makes a big difference for me.

you also don't say if you have watched any videos, read any books, had a class.
If you just sit down and start fmq, then it will be frustrating for you.
Need more details about your machine, experience, etc etc etc........to give informed suggestions.

thank you very much. I just have a brother sewing machine. nothing fancy. I will try setting it to o . sounds good. Have practiced quite a bit but never changed the length of stitch.