use a table when sandwiching your quilt---How do you keep your backing taut, since not all of the quilt will fit on the table? If you have a quilt larger than your table, part of it will hang over. I am fmq a queen size and of course I put it on the floor to pin. I can never do that again. My back has been sorerer than it has ever been, and it is a week later. I vowed never to do than again. I have a twin top ready to go, but I absolutely will not go thru this again. The only one who profits from this is the chiropractor. Ha! Please help me. Marge

Masking tape or binder clips both work great.

Pony clamps (spring clamps) available at hardware stores also work well, although they cost more each. Here's an example of a pony spring clamp:
http://www.amazon.com/Jorgensen-3203...dp/B0000224BY/

You have to be careful to get ones that open wide enough for your table edge.

I bought an 8ft long table with folding legs. It's 30 in wide, but the lenght means that the quilts I generall do don't hang over the ends. I have large clips that hold the backing taut on the table, with most of it over the back of the table. Drape the batting and top again with it flat on the table (held with the clips, and the majority over the back.

Pin baste, or I use a microtack gun, all over what is on the top of the table, then loosen off all the clips, pull the three layers towards you, re smooth, re clip, and baste what's on the top of the table again. Repeat until you get to the far side of your quilt.

Downsides? I can't lift the table by myself. I had intended to store it in my garden shed but so far, it has stayed propped up against a wall in my hallway. Upsides, I sat down to do the whole lot, no aching knees or back, no creases on the back.

There's always Sharon Schamber's method. Search her name on you tube and you'll find her videos of how to baste a quilt. It works beautifully. Two four foot folding tables should baste just about any quilt.

Most of the time i just use the floor :lol:

I do it similar to lacelady. I just use the big binder clips to hold it to the table.

I mark a line down the center of the table by taping toothpicks to the center of the table. I can feel that thru all 3 layers so I start out nice & straight

I tape mine to the table with blue painter's tape and catch any excess on the ironing board that is height-adjusted.

I thank you ladies SO much for your help. I have used the floor for years but lately the pain is too much. I have the long table. I live in Sr. Housing and the rec room has one up all of the time. I also take my machine down there and do my quilting. No one cares and according to all the company I have then, I think they like to see something different and the progress. No one in the entire building has a hobby. Don't know what they do with themselves 24/7 other than gossip or be nosey. I'll stop--their problem, not mine. Thanks again. Marge

binder clips. or if your table is skinny enough, Eleanor Burns clips taht slip over the table edge are great. on her site Quilt in a Day.