Another Sharon Schambers board fan here except I pin mine. No wrinkles at all. Only note is to pat the batting in place - don't pull it at all.

This is what I do as well...EXCEPT, I also do bed quilts on this table. Once I get the center section pinned (or thread basted), I then shift everything, reclamp each layer, pin and continue to do this until the entire quilt is completely pinned. I have done king size quilts on this table.

I tried this method a few times, but it did not work for me. My DH bought the boards for me and cut them to size. I used two 4x72 inch tables put together that are raised to the correct height for me. I was very careful throughout the entire process watching the video as I went along. I checked the back often and made corrections yet still had wrinkles on the back when I finished. After it happened for the third or fourth time, I quit. I now make baby quilts with the Missouri Star Quilt Company's strip method. After watching Jenny demonstrate it a few times, I gave it a try with good results. I even make the strips by combining separate blocks in varying styles. She does say that it might not be the right choice for a larger quilt. I hope I can find a method for larger quilts that works for me so I can finish my adult size quilt tops. Good luck with your basting. :):):)

Listen to all the advice to use Sharon Schambergs method. I use basting spray and do it in sections. Hope this helps.

I tried a variety of methods before finding basting spray. Basting spray is all I use anymore. Aside from being much faster, it allows me to "correct" any wrinkles. The problem you encountered when turning over your quilt would have been easily correctable with basting spray.

When I first started quilting I had a large frame for hand quilting loaned to me. When we moved I used the floor. That isn't a real option anymore, though.

I had some folding Lifetime tables I used to use. They are too heavy for me now. So I go to my LQS and ask to use their tables when they don't have any classes. I have also used the large tables where I was going for a quilting group.

Lots of options out there. You just have to be creative.

ali

I would starch the back the lay it out and tape it to the floor. The starch will make it a little harder to baste because of the stiffness but use a really large or crooked needle.

You can also purchase a long PVC pipe, cut into equal sections and drill a hole at your preferred height and put a long stove bolt through the pipe and secure with a nut. Get someone to help you to raise your table and drop the legs down into the pipe. Voila! just the height you need to save your back. Center the quilt on the table, clamp, and baste, using your method of choice. It won't take more than a half hour to measure, cut, and drill the holes in the pipe and fasten the stove bolts (or carriage bolts) through the holes. We liked them so much that at church, we leave them in the tables so the seniors can get to the pot luck dishes easier. Hope this works for you.

I baste mine on folding resin tables bought at Lowes. I have 3 tables DH bought for my Christmas village display, so the rest of the year they are used for pin basting quilts. I lay the backing out smooth and taught and clamp with picnic tablecloth clamps, spread the batting out and smooth it, then the top. I don't clamp every layer; with cotton batting the layers stay together nicely. I pin what I can reach on the table, remove the clamps and position, smooth, and pin the next section. I've tried several ways, but this works the best for me.

I use Patsy Thompson's spray basting method with a couple pins, and I like it. I do have "Cheryl"s foldable design wall that will accommodate any size. Works great for me. I like Sharon S. method for smaller quilts, but now use the spray glue for
everything- it is more forgiving like Prism99 said.