Originally Posted by Delilah
I lay a big flannel sheet on my king bed, covering headboard, the flannel also holds project nice and snug. BTW, I have never starched before layering, just ironed. I smooth backing and batting on sheet, fold back half of batting, spray then smooth back down, fold back other half, spray and smooth. Then arrange quilt top and repeat the fold back, spray, and smoothing process. I used to use June Tailor Basting Spray (for about 200 quilts) but their new stuff is awful so switched to 505 and love it. When spraying close to the edges direct the spray toward the center to protect from over spray. Start with spraying lightly, can always test for tackiness and add more if necessary, some fabrics take to the spray better than others. I have successfully layered king quilts in an hour or less. Be patient, like everything else it takes practice.
Would like to add that putting the batting down first with the backing on top and doing the fold back, spray, smooth down process, then flip everything over and proceed with the top seems to make the backing come out smoother. Have used this method with greater success than starting with the backing down and batting on top. Also helps (obviously) to have a pair of extra hands around.