I've been "practicing" machine stitching using a walking foot. The stitch length appeared loose enough and even. When I started on my quilt the stitches were tiny and tight. My stitches by hand are much better looking. The quilt is queen size and I'd love to machine this one and complete it quickly. Any hints?

Check that the heaviness or bulk of your quilt is not 'pulling' whilst you're quilting. That would account for small and tight stitches. Make sure your quilt is moving freely through the machine. Hope this helps.

Being very new I am sure everyone else will have better info, but here goes!
If you have no way to support your quilt - front - back - sides -it will be too heavy and the weight will be too much for the feed dogs and walking foot to pull it through.
Try to support your quilt all the way around and I think your stitches will be more to your liking!
Good luck!!

If your machine has the ability to lessen the pressure on the presser foot you might try that. Also be sure you have your walking installed properly. Good luck.

did you try droping your feet dog so your quilt can run smoother or maybe loosen tension from top stitch

When you practiced, did you use quilt lining, batting and top simulated for practice? Drivingsusan is right. Sewgray is right. I've done three quilts on the machine, using the method of first having it in sections. Silvia

I did a lot of my FMQ at the dining room table. That way I had support on all sides of the quilt. It makes a huge difference.

When I use my walking foot to quilt, I lengthen the stitches a little, or I have tinier stitches too. I think they get buried in the thickness of the sandwich :D:D:D

I lengthen the stitches also and it sounds like the weight of your quilt may be pulling and distort the stitches. I do mostly SID (stitch in the ditch) and set up the ironing board behind my table so the quilt won't pull off the table as I work it. I also hold the roll up as I guide it through the machine so the machine doesn't have to labor as much. It is hell on the shoulders but works for me.

My machine quilting teacher said to "fluff and stuff" the quilt. With whatever is supporting the weight of the quilt, fluff it up around the machine. This help eliminate the drag of the quilt's weight.