Because I am relatively new with my midarm quilting machine I make sure to have extra fabric n the sides to check the tension. I check by feel and by looking. If all is well I am ready to go.
Why the extra on the sides? Because if I need a new bobbin or spool of thread I can still check tension without removing the whold quilt.
Awkward, Yes. Worth it ... definitely for me at this point in my learning curve.
ali