I put fabric leaders on both my frames and that makes loading much easier (still a task, but easier) I used a medium weight twill type fabric and put a casing on one side of each one that the tube slides into so once you have your tubes pushed into your frame they stay there and you pin you quilt backing and top to the leaders. If your frame instructions gives the lengths to make the leaders I would add a couple of inches to each one to give you a little more room. Both my frames are Grace and I found the lengths they gave are just a little short and I wish I had made them a little longer. If this doesn't make any sense I can take a picture and maybe that would be helpful. Good Luck. You will love your frame once to get it setup.