I'm still practicing and learning to FMQ and use a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0. Many great tips so far. I would also suggest lots of quilt sandwiches to practice on. I baste with safety pins and remove them in the area I'm working on--thread basting does seem catch on the hopping foot easily. I want to try spray basting on a project soon. One other tip is to do what you need to to get the quilting surface at a level where you are not bunching up your shoulders (taller chair/lower table)and it will go much easier.