I use washable glue to baste so I don't have to deal with the extra expense, fumes and over spray issues that spray basting has. On a large quilt I will put a few safety pins around the edge because I don't want the edges to get caught on the machine and stretch or pull apart seams. Other than that I don't use any pins. On a small project like a table topper or place mats where I am doing less wrestling with the sandwich I don't use any pins.