I would suggest just watch your speed, allowing the feed dogs to move at a normal sewing speed, without turning corners too quickly. I broke a few needles before I finally figured that speed and quickly changing direction, my sewing machine did not like the quick movement.

Thank you for all the replies! I went through all my accessories and did not find a cover for the feed dogs, but I will try FMQ with both the feed dogs up and then covering it. I haven't tried FMQ before, so I'm excited to get to practice. I have a couple of practice blocks made up to make all kinds of mistakes with.

If I remember, I will try to update with results.

Thank you again!

I took a class on FMQ and the instructor had us leave them up. I've done it both ways. usually drop them since I can.

I would still suggest you check with the vintage sewing machine people. If something doesn't work that's supposed to, then fix it. It probably just needs oiling or something like that. If it needs oiling, then probably the whole machine needs it.
Good luck on the fmq. That's on my list of things to learn.

bkay