I have this frame and have used it to do tied quilts and found it very comfortable to work at. It is my plan to attempt actual handquilting on it, but I was supposed to put a quilt on it last winter and that didn't happen, but I haven't given up. I think it would work for basting as well, but keep in mind it is a little time consuming to load a quilt the first few times, but with practice that improves as well.