Hi,
here are the pics I took of the difference in height of the fmq foot that came with my PQ1500, and the 2 I bought that seem to actually work for the machine..
The 1 on the left in each pic is the original foot, you can see how much taller it is, how much higher the upper bar is. I think this is why I had the whp (weird hollow pop) noise and so many needles breaking, thread breakage, and awful stitches with the original foot; made for a terrible fmq experience. Even with the presser foot pressure adjusted all the way down, the original foot just doesn't work.
I know several of you asked about this, so hope it helps you. I have used both of the other 2 feet, and they both are working great!

I modified my original foot. I clipped the front and took out that plastic piece to make it opened toe. That was MUCH better than the original for me, but I still get that "hollow popping" noise you've talked about. A new foot like yours is in my future for sure. :)

I just bought a new one. I haven't really looked to see the difference in them. My original one, got stepped on and twisted.

I also modified my original one, clipped an opening thru the metal and the plastic insert to make it open toe...but it still is taller/longer, and that is what is making it not work...for me anyways...I have done more quilting today, tried each of the new feet, and all is still ok...not beautiful....lol...but ok as far as the machine and the foot itself...other problems are "operator error"... ;)
Have a good night,
K

Thanks for posting this thread! I just discovered the reason my top thread keeps shredding is because there's a scratch in the plastic plate on the FMQ foot that came with the machine. I'm going to wake hubby up from his nap and ask him to pop it out so I can keep working. Meanwhile, I'm going to order the Big Foot from eBay. I have a project that *must* be done before April 10! Can't stop working!

I know this is an old thread but I just HAD to leave a reply that this thread saved me from throwing my brother pq1500 out a second story window! I swapped out the FAQ foot that came with my machine for another and wham, it works beautifully now !! Thank you thank you

Likewise. I had searched for Brother FMQ and never found this thread! Thank you- I thought there were no answers for me.

You could try to file it down with an emery board.

Interesting. I've had no problems whatsoever with the foot that came with the machine. It is the only machine I've ever used for FMQ, so maybe that is the difference? I can't tell good from bad. But I've had no thread or needle breakage. Maybe I just lucked out and got a good one. But I am glad to hear there are other possibilities available in case I end up breaking mine. Thanks!

I use the original FMQ foot that came with my Brothers 1500s and have no problem with the foot!!!!I know that any problems with the FMQ is with ME! Also the press foot needs to be in the down position but the fabric should still move freely under the foot. There should be no need to adjust the presser foot tension down. There are at least 2 kinds of any feet and that has to do with the shank length. Brothers takes the long shank instead of the short shank. Your new one looks like a short shank. I like the idea of removing the plastic peice on the foot and will try that. Also I will check for burrs in the hole on the foot. Thanks for thoise ideas!