Pushing quilts thru my Singer has been the only way I have done it for years.I mostly do what I call "comforters" which have two layers of hi-loft batting and if I have one , an old mattress cover. I have a 50's or 60's Singer that is heavy. I wouldn't consider trying to pull a quilt thru my little portable. It is only plastic and would move all over the table. I set up three folding tables. One of them behind me to hold the weight of the quilt. My newest favorite aid is spray adhesive to hold the layers together. Otherwise I would baste the layers so they would not slide around. I start in the middle and work out to the outside. I too have cussed and cried for one more inch of sewing arm to force my new quilt. Leave the needle down when you readjust to sew. Don't worry it may not come out perfect . But there is no feeling like a finished quilt to share with the family.