I have a longarm now, but when I hand-quilter, I used one of those folding tables - the older kind that are wood veneer (about 30"X30"). Lay down each layer and attach to the table with welding clamps (they are red and grey usually). Then, hand-baste from the center out. When you are done with each section (depending on the size of the table), carefully scoot it over and re-attach with the welding clamps around the perimeter). I liked those older folding tables because the depth of the table was about the size I could squeeze those welding clamps open! And, the wood veneer surface didn't really "scratch" from the needle. That was many, many years ago, but it always worked well for me. Good luck!