you do need to baste the side of your quilt as you advance it.you need a pink centering tape.it goes on the front of your frame and as you advance the quilt,it allows you to line the sides of the quilt with the same measurement everytime.keeping the sides straight.then befor you quilt after advancing,look side to side and see if the quilt "appears"straight.if it looks straight,it probably is.there is so much on u-tube that can help you.just put in "long arm quilting".longarming is hard.but relax and enjoy it.