I can no longer get down on the floor, so I use a piece of plywood, covered with a vinyl checkered tablecloth to help me line things up on the top of my ironing board. I then use C clamps or picnic table clamps to hold down the layers of fabric so I can smooth them out and baste. Start in the middle. Move to right or left as you finish that section, move from top to bottom as you finish the sideways sections. You can raise the ironing board to the height that is comfortable for you and you will save your back and knees from a lot of grumbling! Note: I have two ironing boards and two boards side by side. I can base a fairly large quilt without much moving of the fabric around.