Hi, You need to make a sleeve for each of the outside bars that is about twice as big around as the pole. Slide it on the pole and then thumbtack or staple it to the wood so that you have at least a couple of inches of fabric haning free. Pillow ticking fabric or even denim makes a good sturdy sleeve. To put the quilt on the frame closely pin or baste one end of the basted quilt to each pole and then roll the poles until the quilt is stretched fairly taunt. It is best to start quilting in the center and work your way out. You can take turns rolling from one side or the other. We have a similar frame in our quilting room at the local senior center. I was told if you wanted to work on a smaller area that you attached one side of the quilt to the pole closer to the middle.