Originally Posted by DebJ
The ladies in the quilt group I belong to and I, either spread the backing on the floor (tile) and tape it down starting a one end then the opposite making it as tight and smooth as you can or spread across those rectangle tables at a church (usually 3 together) and use spring clamps (like big clothes pins) to hold the fabric taught. Then gently pat your batting smooth on top of this and on top of the batting smooth your top. Then starting in the middle, baste with basting pins or baste with needle and thread making "Large Stitches". Then quilt from the middle out (some don't) but that is what they say we're suppose to do it. Oh yeah the edges aren't even when you start, you even them up after you've quilted it then put the binding on or blanket edge. I'm not trying to be a know it all this is just some stuff I've learned or observe my fellow quilters doing. I hope it is of some help.
I do all of my quilting by machine, so while your advice is great, not sure it would work. I get poked by the pins! I'll have to try with the large stiches. I was taught to quilt by someone who ties all of her quilts, so I was taught to do the binding first. I think that is my main problem. Thanks for the advice!!