I am fairly new to longarm quilting and have a question. When using a longarm, do you add fabric to the top of your quilt so you can test your stitches before you start quilting on your quilt top? It has been my experience that I use a practice piece to check my stitches and then when I load the quilt and start stitching, I discover that my stitches are not good. Of course I have to unsew it and start over. How can I avoid this? I hope this makes sense
Thanks in advance for your help!!

When I was learning to use my longarm I did put an extra piece of batting and top fabric on the side of my loaded quilt to test the stitching. Tension and speed were my main problems. Tension is something that I still test if I'm quilting unusual materials like fleece or TSHIRTs or if I change thread types. I really had to slow down for best results. After a learning time you will probably know what works best for you and which fabric/thread combos you will have to test/adjust for. Good luck & have fun!

Thank you!!! At least I know I am not alone. I appreciate you answering my question. Happy quilting!

i also test at the sides with backing, batting, and a scrap for the top.