I have 2 Pugs who would never allow me to pin ANYTHING to the carpeting!!!! lol But I use the 'tack' gun & my cutting table & always start in the middle & work out. Prepare your fabric well first & keep smoothing it while you're basting. I've done several quilts this way & also with the basting gun, you have to put them every 3-4". some people say they don't hold as well as pins but i only can use one hand so can't do pins & these work fine! Just have fun! I want to know how everyone dries their quilts????