you have to hold the machine still while you crank.
I don't have to hold my Go while cranking. My 4 year old grandson uses it and never holds the machine. Get the die started and just turn the handle until the die comes all the way through. the only prep work I do if using yardage is to cut the fabric to fit over the shape, not to cover the die. If I'm using scrap pieces I don't bother to cut to fit. Starching the fabric first is best for any bias edges. I also had my Go preordered as soon as it was available. It is about 20 years old ? and still working fine.