I have started basting a 2.5 or 3 inch wide piece of scrap fabric to either end of my quilt top. Then I pin (with the flower pins) the back to the take-up leader. Then pin the top (using the scrap fabric) to the backing. I do this on my ironing/cutting table as I use Velcro to attach the leader to the metal rods. Then I mount the leader on the take-up rod. Then use the red snappers on the backing and the top. Then just insert the batting between the backing and the top and it stays where you put it. This method makes it possible to quilt right up to the very top and bottom of the quilt top and doesn't allow the pins or the red snappers to get in the way. And removing the scrap fabric is easy as it was just basted with the longest stitch on my machine. I only have a 9" throat on my Pfaff so it gets to be very close quarters.