For hand quilting, I always used thread basting because I used a hoop. Tried pins once, but the pins interfered with the hooping. With thread basting it was easy to clip a thread as needed when my hand quilting got to that area.
Edit: I can see where pin basting would work if you have a square frame or hoop; you could hoop in the blank strips between pins. My hoop is round, and for a round hoop thread basting is best.
I have heard of some hand quilters spray basting their quilts but I haven't done it myself. If I were to try, I would use 505 as some of the other sprays could create drag on the needle.