Sam_98 made a correct statement when describing the difference between darning foot and walking foot: the darning foot is used for FMQ and the walking foot is used for straight line or for very, very gentle wavy lines.

twinstitches - it sounds like you've been trying the correct things - it's not normal for the pressure foot to stay a quarter inch above the fabric when the pressure foot is down...it should drop down to about the top of the quilt "sandwich", but not push into it too far. Is it possible you have a high shank machine and purchased the foot for a low shank? if so, this would keep the foot too high. I'm not familiar with your model of machine, so you may have to check to see which one you have. Check out this link to find out how to tell.
http://www.clotilde.com/pages/which_foot.html

Regarding the stitch length - putting it on zero was correct - that gives you more control of the stitch when you FMQ.

Don't have any other ideas for now, but will keep thinking.

Are you forgetting to put down your presser foot? That sounds like that's what it is.

The walking foot is used basically for straight stitching, or stitch in the ditch, and feed dogs are up, the free motion foot does meandering and things like that and is used with the feed dogs down. I hope this helps. Also try this sight http://daystyledesigns.com

One other thing that is always suggested for stitch problems...rethread the machine, including the bobbin. Since you were able to pull up the bobbin thread on the first stitch, I don't see how this would make a difference, but worth a try.

Elayne, I checked on the Singer website and they do make a darning foot for your machine...which is what you need for FMQ. Not sure why the guy told you they didn't make one.

Also realized that I didn't specifically address your question about the spring not being on your foot...I do have a spring on mine, so if yours doesn't, that could be the problem.

http://www.singerco.com/accessories/...roduct_id=1406

did you make sure that the spring lever is above the needle holder? This little lever looks like a straight piece of metal sticking towards you when facing the machine. It has to be positioned above the needle holder so when the needle goes up and down, the foot will go up and down.

As I understand it, a walking foot is for straight lines or very gentle curves, and it helps feed the fabric through the machine,eg.(feed dogs up) and free motion quilting is more like embroidery where you work on a small piece at a time, (feed dogs down) with an embroidery type foot, they are two different ways of working, have I got this right? I am still learning!

Gal

You got some good advice from other posters. I'm wondering if you have the correct foot for the machine.

My Viking machine came with a stationery darning foot, but I didn't have much luck with it. I prefer the spring FMQ foot. You might want to look for one to fit your machine. This is what mine looks like:

http://www.sewingstyle.com/viewproduct7d29-2.html

Yes! Bye golly!!

The darning foot still has to be lowered for it to work though. If you have a foot tension adjustment I would loosen this also. It'll assist in moving the fabric easier.

Some darning feet have springs, some don't. It is a personal preference. The ones that came with my Singers didn't have a spring. I purchased one that does and I really like it. It has a clear foot and is a generic :D:D:D

I have to agree with the others...I have forgot to put down my presser foot and then it won't stitch :wink:

Hello All and Thank you!

There is a lot of advice here and I am trying it all. Here is some pics and I think I might just try ordering a spring darning foot. This might help! Thank you all for your time and effort, I am not giving up!!!