I have a long table that I use. I tape the backing down along the short edges and then lay the batting on, smoothing it well. Then I lay the top and start working. I do use clips along the edges sometimes. The best thing I bought for myself was the bed raisers that they sell with the "college stuff"-you can lift your bed up so things can be stored under it. Found a set at JoAnn fabrics for $10 and it makes such a difference on my back!