I use the big binder clips and clip down the backing - wrong side up and getting out all the wrinkles. Then lay the batting and clip that down; then the top - right side up and clip again. I center the whole thing on my table so I have the center of the top as centered as possible. I pin baste (unless a king then I usually thread baste to cut down on weight) in a grid pattern usually about a hand-width apart in each direction. When I have the entire section pinned, I shift everything smoothing and clipping as I go along to get the sides/ends exposed to the top and continue the pinning process. It holds together just fine for hand quilting. And I quilt in a hoop in my lap - not a frame. Good luck, take your time and enjoy the process!