When I assemble a quilt, I only assemble about -18 to 20 inches at a time (usually about 1/2 a width of fabric for the backing.) I then quilt these strips easily on my lab, in the car, or where I want to travel with it. When done, I assemble the strips and wah-lah , a queen/king size quilt without the weight (until I have to put on the binding).