thank you all so much for your responses. It was really helpful to get input from those 'in the know' :-)

That's all I do with my mega quilter on the pinnacle frame

I attach my backing, batting and top to my take-up leader and pin my backing and top to their rollers...batting end is floating. I like the control I get, especially with borders! I just looked at my avatar and it is obvious how I attach my quilts! :lol:

I float. Just make sure you baste as you go and keep the sides straight.

another vote from one who prefers floating. I measure each time I advance to keep things squared up.

For those who float, do you still apply tension at the sides? I'm assuming you would have to.

For sure, this is very important! :thumbup:

I use two clamps on either side, pulling taut, but not stretching!!

Tin Lizzie and I am a quilt floater too. I measure from the sides of the frame to the edge of each side of the quilt BEFORE i start quilting each time I roll so i am sure it is still centered.

I have a Gracy II frame and when I quilt a queen size quilt it is too wide to do the side borders without bumping, so I turn the quilt to do the sides and float it. the weight of the quilt holds it in position. I do attach the side borders to the top leader and side clamps. I also have to shift it about 2/3 of the way across.