I use a flannel backed cheap table cloth from wallmart- biggest size they carry. I hang it up when needed and take it down whn not needed. Also it workes great if laying quilt on bed/floor to lay out. After you have layed out peices then you can roll up the table cloth and take it to the sewing room and pieces do not really move. I was taught that you should place the pieces that you are laying out as to how it is to be used. When making a bed quilt it should be layed flat since that is how it will be seen. If making a wall hanging then it shoiuld be layed out hanging on wall.