Remember when you do loops you have to plan ahead because you can't stop anywhere. So, get ready at your starting point, take a breath and I think "out, around, back" to my start which is where I can stop again.
I really didn't get comfortable with loops until I discovered Paisleys. 3 loops inside each other with a pointy end. I used it for a filler and by the time I was done, boy, could I do loops!
Also, when doing free motion, my most important tip is to set your speed control if you have one to a comfortable speed so that you can put your foot right down on the pedal as you go. That way you don't have to try to control two things...the speed of the machine and the speed of your hands.
Watson