With my old system I pinned to the take-up bar but floated my quilt otherwise. I also used the "C" clamps on the belly bar when I wanted a little tension. Now I have a real system and use the red snappers. I watched a video the other day and found an easier to way to attach to the take-up pole. I still pin the sides down instead of basting though. I like to be able to fudge the quilt when I need to if I'm not perfectly square...................which I a rarely am.