I also use the PVC frames that you can sit in a chair and utilize. That is all I have ever used (have done about 5 this way). Like the others I always start in the middle and work my way outwards. You can get them at Joann's and at my store, these fall under the "50% off quilting notions" or you could use your 40% off coupon and get one very reasonably. I have also heard of some people taking a pic of it to the lumber store and the guys there have made one up for them, custom made for the size that works for them.