Too start ..I feel in the ditch to be too nerve racking..Try the loops or circles or meander of all sizes..this gives you the space to get the feel of the machine and your speed and etc..Doing small sandwiches is a whole different thing than moving a big quilt around .If u are using a regular sewing machine..So be prepare to mess up some..we all do..and gloves make moving the quilt much easier..don't let your quilt hang over anyway..as the pull will make moving the quilt harder..I bunch mine up around where I am quilting..then smooth the area where I am working..There is much starting and stopping to adjust the quilt..In the ditch even more so..If u want it to be completely straight..Think about the other I suggested .I think u will enjoy doing it more this way until u feel at ease with doing it ..whatever..u decide..main thing is enjoy..