My leaders are heavy canvas and Velcro to the frame - the backing is sewn to the leaders prior to loading the quilt on the frame, the top is pinned to the leader at the bottom, then sewn to the batting & quilt back at the top. This is the way that we were taught when we attended the two day class that came with our machine and frame.
I am new and have no clue if there are better ways to do this. The quilting machine lives at my mom's house so when I come up here I use it. I am currently hauling my sewing machine up here to use it baste the quilt. I am interested in seeing what other options I might have.
i have a bernette machine but it doesn't have a basting stitch or a chain stitch option, it is fairly simple. I will look into machines with one of these options.
Thanks everyone for all your help.
Kendra