Hi Judy,
boy i agree with you...hated the tubing method. fought with it tooth and nail. Finally got it in but the tubing keeps stretching and moving.
Wish i could give you a better idea, but i have not figured it out yet. if i do i'll post it.
really not up and running yet. taking time out right now to take a class on a quilt top this weekend. hopefully i'll get back to the machine on Monday.
happy quilting,
Suzy