I place my quilt sandwich front side up on the inner hoop. Then I place the outer hoop on it and tighten the screw. Turn the quilt over and pull the qilt back till you have no wrinkles. Do the same to the front. I don't leave much give to my project but that is a personal choice. So far I have had no shrinkage to the backing and all my projects have come out flat and ready for binding.