Did you go to your manual first to see your settings for your machine? Also, best not to start directly on your quilt block or quilt before making sure you are getting the results you want. Next, make sure you have a 90/14 topstitch needle in...if working with batiks, use a 90/14 microtex sharp needle. Next sew a straight line on a sample sandwich the same as your piece you are working with. If the tension is perfect on this straight stitch, then don't mess with your tension for the FMQ. You have to practice your pedal speed to your hand movement. Try numerous practice pieces....you can turn them into pot holders later. Relax your arms, breathe and start your practice. If you have loops on the bottom, or eyelashes, which happens with curves...and you said you are doing circles....then these pesky eyelashes can form if your pedal speeds is too slow or you are moving your hands too fast. Get your tension back to a good stitch as before, make the changes mentioned and practice. Almost forgot, feed dogs down and lever pressure down. If you don't put the lever down all kinds of thread loops and tangles will occur. Hope this helps, I know you will do great when your machine is all ready.