any of the methods you mention are ok---some people always pin baste- if you choose that method tape the backing down smooth, then spread the batting on top smooth & tape the edges down then add the top; make sure everything is smooth & straight then start pinning- in the center- work your way out, up & down in a grid- pins about 4" apart- or each place your fist fits should touch a pin- it is best to "try" to place the pins so they are not in the line of quilting-so you don't take a chance of hitting one, or have to stop & remove them as you go. some people prefer thread basting- especially if you don't like the pinning/un-pinning process- thread a good long hand needle with any utility thread (a good way to use up those little bits left on spools) and making long stitches run stitches again in a grid fashion up, down, across the quilt sandwich - holding everything smooth- the nice thing about thread basting is the basting stitches are pretty easy to remove and it doesn't matter much if you sew over them as you quilt. the third method - spray basting- some people love it & use this method for all their projects, big & small, some only use it for small projects- some hate it...the *cons* smell, over spray, space.... the *pro's* speed, movable (adjustable) nothing to remove later (pins or thread- the spray washes away when the finished item is laundered) you lay out your backing, *put something down to catch over spray-protect surfaces* spray with basting spray- smooth batting over the backing, spray with basting spray, smooth top over complete sandwich- sometimes people will stitch a basting stitch or pin around the edges to hold everything- but for small projects this is generally not necessary- if anything is a bit *off* you can reposition it, then smooth again- when it's dry & secure pick it up & go quilt. you didn't mention the other possibility---fusible batting- is also an option- it has a fusible adhesive on each side of it- you smooth your sandwich together then iron the top smooth over the batting, flip it over & iron the backing to the batting- ready to quilt. as for using a regular foot for quilting (I do it all the time- I hate my walking foot) you should *if possible* ease the pressure foot pressure- lengthen the stitch length, use a thin batting, (warm & natural does work well for this) and if quilting a long line- if you notice it starts to *pull up/pucker* or the stitches start looking tighter- stop, lift the foot & let the sandwich relax before continuing.