Lay the quilt out flat, then slide it under the (lifted up) presser foot til the middle of the quilt is under the needle. You'll have to roll up the back of the quilt as you do this to make it fit in the neck of your machine. Then roll up the front of the quilt and let the roll rest in the large hooks on the front of the frame. Use the clamps on the sides of the open area where you will be quilting, to make it taut. I tend to let my quilt be just a little loose, I don't like it super-tight. Maybe it's just my machine works better if it's a little loose, and that may not be true for everyone- just personal preference.