I tend to think of FMQ as being like driving and turning the steering wheel. Moving the fabric faster on tight curves. I also use my elbow to turn the outer portion of the quilt as I go. If the quilt gets stuck on the table edge, you can't keep up a smooth motion so you do have to keep repositioning the bulk. I never used a pattern for stippling. Just make it up as I go along. Have used a simple drawing on tissue paper to make a figure or write a name.