To do quilting patterns there are stencils you could purchase that you could trace with chalk or a washable fabric pencil. Hobby and fabric stores usually carry them for a few dollars each. Or draw your own pattern! Squiggly never ending lines are good too. As for making the backing tight, use painters tape or masking tape to tape the backing down, smoothing all the wrinkles out as you tape it down. Then place the batting and then the top and safety pin about every 6 to 8 inches apart. Then trim evenly all the way around. Then stencil the pattern you desire and free motion quilt starting from the middle of the quilt out, removing pins as you complete the quilting. If you roll up the ends it helps. It sounds hard but don't rush yourself and take you time. Have fun!