Is free motion quilting supposed to be a little more "noisey" than sewing or SID? It's like I hear a slight "popping" noise, I am assuming it is from when the needle hits the material. Or should I be using a smaller needle. If so, what size? No many questions, learning so much. Thanks for any advice. Pauline

popping noise usually means a dull needle. size of needle depends on size of thread & batting you are using. the Schmetz quilting needles are nice. I generally use a 90/14 needle for quilting, 50 wt thread.

Thank you so much. I will follow that advice...I think it is my needle. Pauline

Are you using a darning foot? The sound could be coming from the foot "hopping" up and down. My stitch-in-the-ditch foot doesn't hop so doesn't make the same noise.

I tell my kids, if you hear a thwacking noise, it's time to change the needle! I use a 90/14 needle as well. I use standard Coats and Clark thread with no problem, sometimes I have to dip into my serger or embroidery thread stash because I have run out of a color - as long as it is polyester thread, I use it for FMQ and it's always worked ok.

A few weeks ago I heard a "popping sound" while FMQ and knew it just didn't sound right...in my case, I hadn't put the pressure foot down, so I'm just mentioning that to make sure you have checked that out. :O)

My FMQ foot makes that hopping noise, too, even with a brand new needle. I don't get it with any other foot.

Change the needle to a new one!

It is a little noiser, but you shouldn't hear a popping sound :D:D:D

May be moving the fabric faster than the needle, this takes time to get it all going.