I start anywhere - I've never had a well pinned backing change in size. I prefer to work block by block. When I tried an allover meander, I kept working myself into a corner and I didn't feel like I knew where I was at. No basting spray for me. I have to avoid chemicals and don't like the sounds of overspray. When I was using the spread out method, I found taping the starched back down well to be important. Now I use the Sharon Schambers method with boards. The only thing I have to remember is not spread the batting too much - just pat it into place. I've never had a tuck with either method, but right now I have a very thick batt on the machine. It seems it will have tucks more easily. We'll see. Gloves, slippery area (plastic from JoAnn's), something to support the quilt's weight, music (Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart or Springsteen for me), shoulders down, take a deep breath and go - oh, think large puzzle pieces. Trace your pattern with the index finger of your writing hand on any surface first. It imprints it on your brain.