Don't despair! I could not do a panto to save my LIFE for about 6 months. I find that I need MORE control over my machine with a panto than I do with freemotion. Now BOTH are my friends! I like to prove to myself I am relaxed by quilting with two fingers on each hand...two on each handle. My machine and I are now good friends (so much that I finally named her!). Give yourself time to really get to know your machine...and try again in a couple of months. You might surprise yourself! I did!