I agree with everyone else, don't use duct tape. It surely will leave a mess on your quilt & carpet.
If your apartment doesn't have a community room, there's lots of places that do. Library, churches, county extension agent. Any place that's big enough for meetings will have tables and space. Plus this saves your back. If I had to sandwich my quilts on the floor, it would NEVER happen.

**You might see if there's quilting groups in your area. They would be a big help. My group meets in at a local beer distributorship (they have a free meeting room). When anyone brings a quilt to be sandwiched, everyone jumps in to help. They're put together in no time.

Good luck and welcome to retirement! :cool:

This is exactly how I sandwich and baste my quilts! I never have problems with puckering! I used to use a card table but now I use my cutting table which is just a little bit bigger than a card table and it is taller so it is easier on my back! I start in the center and then pin towards the outer edges.

I also would suggest a church. Usually they have 8 ft tables, and an many times they are already put together because of their own quilting groups. You do not have to be a member to call and ask when would be a good time. Most churches are more than happy for you to come in. I would never baste on a floor.Just too difficult for me.

I use masking tape, on 2-3 of the folding banquet tables, that can be set up anywhere (driveway - yard too)- masking tape the backing down, spray 505 basting spray, spread out the batting, spray 505 basting spray, carefully add the quilt top. i pin around the edges (hang over from the pin the quilt top days before spray basting). I use the dining table for smaller tops, I cannot use the floor anymore, bad back and sore knees, and the money spent on the banquet tables (about $40 at sams club) sure beats medication and back pain.

Holice has given you good advice. I use my dining room table and spray glue. I covered the table with plastic, to protect the table. I had no overspray, and did it in 1/4's. No puckers and it was done in probably 30 minutes. No glue on the floor either. Try it, it's a good method.
Sue

There is an episode on www.quilterstv. that shows how to baste on a smaller table. Search under Programming.

Check out Sharon Schambers videos on youtube. A card table beside my dining room table and I can do any size up to 94" wide. My boards are only 8 feet long. White prefinished 1X4s from Home Depot. Smooth as can be and just pinned - no basting. My only precaution for you is not stretch the batting - just pat it in place.

I have used duct tape with no problem on quilts, but never tried on carpet. I know I'd pin the quilt to the carpet.

I think the idea of finding some banquet tables to use is the best idea.....rather than on your hands and knees....
I am lucky that I use my dinning room table for all my sandwiching....but I do not do quilt over twin size.
I have had HUGE success of late with using Elmers School Glue for my basting ........

Could you please give us a tutorial on using Elmers School Glue to baste your quilts?

Do you use it straight out of the bottle or dilute it or ........

Mahalo in advance!