I have never quilted at a tension lower than 3.8 on the top. (I have a Viking Opal 670) Do some stitching on a practice sandwich, made with the same fabrics & batting as your quilt. Adjust the tension until the stitching looks right. Write down your setting so you'll remember it for future reference. Are you using a Top Stitch 90-14 needle? The eye is larger & the thread moves through it more easily. Do you need to adjust any settings on your computer screen? On my machine, I have options for fabrics (light, med., heavy) as well as stitch lengths, etc. For some reason, with my machine my FMQ looks better using woven fabric light. (My machine automatically adjusts the tension according to the settings.)

Other things to check:

- Is your thread on the machine spool holder or a cone on a separate stand?
- What weight thread are you using? Piecing thread (50 wt.) or quilting thread (40 wt.) If you're using something like YLI, which is closer to 30 wt., you may need to adjust the tension setting on your bobbin holder.
- Is your bobbin area clean?
- Are you using a Sew Steady Extension Table or is your machine recessed into a table top so you have a flat surface on which to move the quilt sandwich?
- Have you waxed your quilting surface or are you using a Supreme Slider?
- Support the quilt on all sides so there is no drag.
- Do you need to slow down the speed?

I hope you can get things adjusted so you get the stitch quality you're looking for. Good luck!