I have had varying kinds of problems trying to get all three layers together without lumping or ripples.
I hand quilt and have limited space to lay out the layers on the office floor (hardwood).
Anyone have suggestions?

I fold in half and lay down the backer, then the batting and finally the top. I step all over the thing (in bare feet) in the process, and then feel from the center out for lumps etc. I also pin and then baste before I lift it off the floor.
Any other hints/suggestions?
Does starching first help?

Forgot to add: if you hand quilt do you use a hoop? why or why not?

I hand quilt and hated the sandwiching step so much. I just got a longarm this summer so for future quilts I decide to handquilt I will baste on the longarm. I know there are loads of longarmers out there that will baste a quilt sandwich for handquilting for minimal fee. Maybe you could look into it.

I use a lap hoop when handquilting.

I use my dining room table for sandwiching my quilt. I lay something on the table to protect the finish than layer on the back, batting and top centering it on the table. I begin in the middle and start basting or pinning and work out toward the sides, top and bottom smoothing as I go. Works really well for me.

If you begin in the middle and get it stabilized than moving the sandwich around to work out to the edges is fairly easy to do.

I too use the dining table but i put on a peice of carpet on the table so that the quilt will cling to it,then pin baste,I hand quilt using a hoop until I get to the outer bits then I don't use the hoop,it seems to work for me.

When I do it on the floor I always tape the backing to the floor and pull it somewhat tight, and then you don't have such a chance of it lumping or rippling. Hope this helps.

another way is to do it on the wall..search on this board and you'll find some threads and links for how to do it.

Yes starching does help.
Try Sharon Chamber's ( Chalmers(?) video ' hand basting' she uses 'rails ' on a table top, sitting down; I'll never baste on the floor again.
I mostly hand quilt, don't use a hoop, I don't mind a wrinkle or a bump in the backing, I think it gives it charm

good info

http://www.SharonSchamberNetwork.com
Look up a You Tube on hand basting a quilt. I used it on a small quilt worked for me.

I also tape the backing to the floor and have had very good results.