Relax and enjoy the process. And don't expect perfection....

I have low end sewing machines and they don't like to FM. Probably have to adjust tension and I don't want to do that. So back to using the walking foot. New machine in my future? Sure hope so..

i learned to FMQ on a dinky mechanical Brother from
costco. I set stitch length to zero. Could drop feed dogs but I don’t always do that on my bigger machine. I didn’t adjust tension. I still have that machine and I still use it for some things.

Stitch, just tried your idea...nope...not with these machines. Bummer Bummer,,,maybe time for wine huh?

oh - what is the issue? Thread breaks? Do you bring up your bobbin thread? Correct foot?

Watch Angela Walters' videos. She is a wonderful, encouraging teacher.

I'm sure everyone has their own ideas on this issue. The BEST advice I got when I was scared to death of free motion is this:
"JUST DO IT!". I created a practice sandwich and went at it. When I was feeling confident enough to take a class in free motion I did so--only to be somewhat disappointed that I was good enough, and it was easy enough, that I did not need the class.

The key to free motion is learning YOUR own balance between speed and consistency. Do your own thing and have fun. If it costs you a yard of cheap fabric to play then you have saved money in the long run.

This, of course, is just my own humble experience but it did lead me to buying a sit down long arm machine (Love! Handiquilter!) and I quilt my own quilts now. Just do it.

How exciting and fun! Just think of it like driving - watch the road ahead. (Ohoh, saw your later posts. Sorry you’re having issues with the machine.)

The most important thing for free motion quilting is having a great sewing machine. It can be old or new, costly or inexpensive, doesn't matter as long as it sews perfectly and gives you no trouble while you learn the skill.