There are several ways to "sandwich" your quilt top, batting and backing. Some quilters use fusible batting, (I only use this for small items), most people will use safety pins to hold the layers together while it is being quilted. Another way is basting the layers with thread then later pulling out the basting thread after it has been quilted. Thus the water soluble thread, after your quilt has been quilted, you wash it and the basting thread is gone. HAPPY QUILTING!