I have done both types of quilting, quilt as you go and free motion on my dsm. Both have advantages and disadvantages. I am not sure how others do quilt as you go but I create my top in rows or columns and then sandwich. I put the backing and batting together and hold it with pins. I then iron it and add the first row. Iron again and add the second row on top. (right sides together). Pin and Pin then sew it all as one piece. Then I iron and add the third row. I am not much of a presser or pinner but when doing the quilt as you go, it is the only way I can guarantee a good seam and no tucks. I can also fix any mistakes along the way. As for free motion, I sandwich my quilt and use sticky back wrap as my pattern. I don't do close quilting this way because removing the sticky wrap is a bear with the little pieces. Good Luck.