When I'm ready to layer
1. I take each layer backing, batting, and top and safety pin on all 4 sides at the centers.
2. Then I put them on top of each other in the proper order for quilting and line up the center pins of all three layers(of course backing and batting will be larger) .
3. I find the very center of the top and put a safety pin in it through all the layers just marking where to start and also add pins about 12 " around from the center
4. Once I check to be sure it's smooth front and back I start quilting and this is not long arm quilting of course.
Look at my recent post and maybe that will give you a visual that makes more sense and I hope it helps.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/l...47.page#294115
Jan