I helped a friend tie a quilt one time that she had just taped the backing right side down onto her table, then put the batting and the quilt top right side up. We used some curved needles and it really went pretty quickly. Her table was formica and didn't scratch. You might could put something down first to protect your table top, like your cutting mat or a marble to raise it off the surface of the table. Just push the marble around to wherever you need it to be. I've even heard of taping to the floor, but I've never tried that. Don't think my knees would stand it. Good luck. Let us see it when you're done. Also, if you're handquilting in a frame or hoop, I don't think you want the fabric stretched really tight or you won't be able to manipulate the fabric and needle.