I really did do a search first!! ;)

Should I sew the backing to the top first, then push the batting inside, close up that side and then tie it? Or is there a different way?

Are you wanting to tie it instead of sew/quilt it?
When I tie my quilts, I just finish it off with the binding, then tie it at "major" intersections. Usually about 4-6 inches apart. All depends on the batting you use. I always use Warm & Natural....

I do the same thing. I sandwich it like any quilt and then tie where needed or acording to the block pattern.

I don't know why this is all so "over my head". I know someday it won't be. I guess I need to read more to really "get" the process.

For my very first, I was going to take a single fabric (with one length down the middle and another length split and sewn down the sides of the middle length - if that makes sense!) and use a sheet for the backing. This is for ds's twin bed. I was going to tie this first one.

I understand what you are doing. :)

The first quilt I made was the "pillowcase effect" but it came out lumpy and it was difficult to work with it. I have not played that way since.

How I tie my quilts is: I make my sandwich just like if I were going to quilt it, then just tie it using embroidery floss, then I put the binding on. I have done a couple of the pillowcase style and didn't like it at all. I usually tie about every 4 inches, I think it's a matter of choice.

Ok, this has been really helpful! But it leads to another question (since I've never even done a regular quilt) - do you really sew the binding on after you have a bulky quilt to work with, or do you sew the binding to the backing before you sandwich it? (which leads to one more question ;) - should I buy quilt binding or get some other fabric and make it? (I'm assuming I can find directions around here to do that....)

Usually after the Quilting or tieing is finished. The quilting will change the size of the quilt, also if you bind before you could have puckers.

Usually when i tie a quilt- i do it by the birthing method (Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day) where you lay the top and backing facing each other ,
with batting beneath. i pin and sew all the way around but leave an opening to turn right side out. then turn and slip stitch the opening closed.
then it tie. how far apart depends on batting instructions and the blocks.
good luck. this is the easiest way to finish a quilt in a hurry.