Are the feed dogs down? Are you putting the hopping foot down? It has to be down, even if you are not using a foot...the bar has to be down to engage the tensions.

Try wearing latex gloves (like those the doctor's office uses), or just the tips of them. Quilting gloves are under 5.00 a pair.

The bed of the machine needs to be smooth..try putting some spray wax for furniture on a cloth and wipe it over the machine bed.

Set your stitch length to zero...you don't need it in FMQ. Your feed dogs don't move if set at zero...so, if they are coming up a tad and catching the fabic now and again, this will stop that.

Also, practice on blocks no larger than 18" square...trying on a large project is hard and can be frustrating. Make some pot holders, placemats, etc. Once you are more comfortable, you can do larger quilts.

You will still have to mark your motifs, no other option, unless you get a machine quilting frame.

Tension should be set at it's normal setting. Pull up and hold both the bobbin & top thread when starting to stitch...take several tiny stitches before you start, then trim the threads close to the surface. This will help eliminate the nests and jams of thread.

Don't give up...you can do this...just takes time and sometimes help...
Marge

Can't help with the tension issues. I found that the jagged curves and the uneven stitches come from my movement of the fabric. I got the slider thing for under the fabric and I got steady betty hand grips for moving the fabric top. Then I have to be really aware of the quilt and how it is laid on the top of the table. I have to stop and adjust a lot, but it works for me. I have almost elimentated the sharp curves and the jagged corners and such. Practice, practice . . . . No where close to show quality, but getting better each time. Good luck - one day it will start to work.

It's specially set to a lower tension for FMQ so that you don't have to mess with your regular one. It has a blue dot on it to distinguish it from the regular case which has a red dot on it!

My first thought after reading your description is do your feed dogs actually go down or do you need to tape a 3 x 5 card over them? I say this because I'm new to it as well and have forgotten a few times to change the feed dogs.

I agree! Are you dropping the feed dogs? If not that could be the problem. :oops:

Has anyone mentioned lowering the feed dogs?

I did a credible job of echo quilting using my walking foot. I will continue to use it, until I work out how I can 'get a grip' on the quilt sandwich (currently using 'gripper gloves' made for driving, bought at dollar store), to then try FMQ. I do everything 1 step at a time, so I don't overwhelm myself.

Have you taken a class? Sometimes it's as simple as just having someone show you the moves, or watch you work and see where you're getting off track. As to the evenness of the stitches, that's all just practice. Good luck

It was mentioned earleier, but it is very important that you use a single stitch plate when FMQ on a Janome.

Here is one of the best FMQ lessons that I have seen on You Tube. It is in 4 parts. It is meant for the early FMQer or new FMQer. Each part is 5-8 min with great info. Here is the link. You will see her others to the right side of your screen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39I5A3iyCtw

And, to boost your confidence, Here is a four year old girl machine quilting on a Bernina. Wishing you luck.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn2wz58hGAA



:)