I tried not using the spray basting but the end result was not as good as with. Spray basting washes out the first wash as well as all the sizing in the fabric(I don't prewash). Also make sure your machine is set for Heavy material. Another thing to keep the quilt from pulling is to have something to have the rest of the quilt rest on while quilting. I don't have a large sewing table so I adjust my ironing board and use that.