I float the top and the batting. I roll the backing onto the belly bar. I stitch the top edge before I start but I don't do the sides at all because I like to smooth my top and fabrics out to the side as I'm working. I found if I smooth things toward the bottom it will distort the bottom edges of the quilt top too much. If I did pantos or used quilting boards, I would probably stitch the side down but I pretty much only do FM. I'm fairly new at this too so I may change my ways as I go along. So far the way I'm doing things has worked for me. I guess everyone finds what works best for them. Good Luck!