Dear Frustrated,
There are lots of reasons why this is becoming a prob for you. The fabric type, thread, tension, whether your machine likes it, and so on. You need to use the right thread for the job. Talk with your local quilting shop. Tell her what you want to accomplish. Go to the experts in your area. Maybe a stablizer and hoop. So many ideas. Go on some sites that you search for on the web and read their ideas on free-motion. Once you get the right combo you will be okay. It is hard for us here to advise when we do not know what you have to sew on or what your fabric is like or your thread. It is a very open question but a good one. Someone may just have the right answer and you will be on your way. Do you use an open toe foot? Good luck and keep us posted as maybe we can learn from you. GB :D