tried pinning once, never again....tried spray basting, will never do anything else! spray basting is so easy and fast that I will never pin again. starch is your best friend - it will make the sandwich slide easier under the needle, as well as help keep the puckers from happening on the back - more is better (it washes out). If you do a search here, you will find many threads and many differing opinions on the best way to sandwich/baste your quilt.