For those doing hand-quilting, either with a hoop or small frame, you might
ask a long arm (or mid-arm) machine quilter to do your basting. She can
load your large quilt on her machine, and use a long, running basting stitch in both directions about 2-4 inches apart. (I use simple Meander stitch for this). This method keeps your top/batting/backing taut. Then you can easily start hand quilting in center of your large project, and work
to all edges, easily removing basting stitches as you go.