I use the vinyl and do not need to tape it down. Have to cut the hole exactly right under the needle. I cut out the square shape of the entire needle plate and cut to fit under the arm of the machine exactly to fit the machine.
Mine goes far to the left of the needle and covers the entire extension table on my Arrow sewing table, big Bertha.
Hope it gets better with practice.
I use Mr. Clean sponges to hold the quilt.