first, I would recommend you do some reading online or from library....I too am self taught, but have been sewing for a long. time and that helps. as for the bunching up and getting the backing right,for me the best place for anything of size was on the floor. You make a loose sandwich, backing first, face down, as such good side. then batting then quilt. starting in the Middle, like draw an "X" corner to corner. ease out from there to all sides, and put in safety pins, you'll need a bunch, keep going until it is totally covered. this way it shouldn't bunch up. From there you can start tying or in whatever way you are keeping it together. hope that helps. Lois