I clamp my fabric to the table (I got the clamps at Home Depot or Lowes) and then I pin every 2 inches or so. I pin around the ditches with just enough room to move the walking foot through and then I can remove the pins from each section to do the decorative quilting after I've stitched in the ditch to stabilize it.

fabi chicki ... how very clever!
and, pictures to boot! That technique should ensure a smooth backing, and to do that alley thing with your pins ... that is really clever!
(Can you tell that when I pin, I don't pin that closely? <G>)
The pictures are really helpful to people like me who can spell all the words, but sometimes can't quite get the mental picture to fine tune up into the frontal lobes. Thank you!

I have a cheap cutting table from Joanns that is less than an inch thick.
You can buy slip on plastic clips to hold the quilt tight. I got mine at Quilt in a Day online.
It has made a big difference.
You can also use the black office clips but they are bulkey. But really cheap at the dollar store. I use the plastic clips for the backing then use the black clips for the top.
No more folds or kisses.
I also move my larger quilts and do the middle first then move to each side and clip and pin. The table is only 36 inchs wide so have to move the quilt to get it all pinned.
I also have a machine with a 10 inch throat and that makes all the difference in the world when quilting.

If you can purchase a walking foot, it will make a world of difference.

The walking foot would help alot. I don't have a longarm either. I used to pin my quilts til I found basting spray. I'll never go back to pinning. Basting spray is so much easier for me to use and seems to hold the quilt better. I keep checking to make sure the quilt isn't bunching up and I am not catching something I shouldn't.

Don't be discouraged...most all of us have had a "kiss" or two on the back of our quilts. I do what fabuchiki does, only I use the biggest black binder clips I can get from the office supply (never thought of looking at the dollar store. Note to self...look there next time! LOL). I have a big 6-foot folding table that I use and do it in sections. Then I'm a scruncher when I put it into my machine. I have a Janome with an average-sized throat. I've done LOTS of sofa throws (mine tend to be almost twin size so whoever gets them can share :wink: ), but did an oversized queen quilt for my bed. A walking foot is invaluable...soooooo worth it.

I am going to invest in a walking foot as soon as finances allow... grandkids birthdays!! my quilting friend told me once that your first and even 3rd quilt is never perfect!!! Hmm :roll:

I don't think I have met a quilter who would admit that their fourth quilt was perfect ... or their fifth quilt in the sixth year!
Because we work so close to our project, we KNOW where every stitch is longer or shorter than its brother/sister. We KNOW where that one point, either missed the connected section, or managed to disappear three threads into the next point, so is therefore, not pointy!
Many cultures declare that nothing made by man is perfect, therefore, a flaw is PURPOSELY put into a project JUST to say, "I am human ... only God can make something perfect".
Some of us are so human that we have fifteen flaws in a quilt ... most of which most people never know is there.
Part of why we keep quilting is because in our souls, we were designed to keep trying because "maybe we can do it a little better".
Strive to produce a good product. Enjoy the process of learning as you stitch each quilt. And, realize that you will probably ALWAYS say to yourself: "That could have been better."
Be thankful that you have an opportunity to do another project, make another quilt for someone's warmth and comfort, and that you will always be better with the next project than you were for the previous one. It is part of the craft.
And, be gentle with yourself. Think of how many stitches it takes to make a quilt ... the majority of which are just exactly where they are supposed to be.
A mistake is proof that someone tried to accomplish something.

I agree with purchasing a walking foot. It definatly is worth the investment. As for stretching, I purchased from Bed, Bath and Beyond some heavy duty bag clips. They were red, with a tight spring, and about 5" long. Two in a pack. I purchased 4 packs, should have purchased 6! I have a glass table top that I use for all my cutting. It is just the right length and width to stretch my pieces. I quilt on my Jamone, bunch under the arm, and lay the rest out on the table so there isn't any weight pulling the quilt.

Those are great clamps.