my sewing machine is very old I don't do any of the things mentioned but just make sure that the extended portion of your quilt is well supported so that it is not pulling against the needle section. Keep you machine running at a fast pace, start at the bottom right and work your way up and toward the left. This gives you visual aid as to where you are while working the quilt. Move the quilt slowly at first to get comfortable but keep the machine at a fast rate. There are special gloves you can purchase which help hold the quilt, ( I can't work with them myself but many do.) Start on a practice material until you feel comfortable. It really is easy.