I pin my backing to the rug tauntly on all sides. then add the batting then place the top on and pin all sides the the rug as well. Last I crawl on half way and pin from the middle down-- go to the other end and do the same. Un pin all the sides and since I do it this way no pleating on the back. Safety pins should be no further apart than a hand span. This works for me. To keep from getting rug burn on my elbows I cut the tall part of DH old socks and pull over my elbows.