I use the Sharon Schamber method of rolling the quilt top and backing on to two boards first. That way I can work with a limited area at a time. I used her thread basting technique to start with and then I used spray baste and now I use Elmer's glue straight out of the bottle in a giant zigzag across the batting, smooth the top down and let it dry and turn it over and do the back side. Super smooth every time.