I thread basted for a long time before trying the washable glue. I am a convert! I especially hated to pin baste because they caught on everything-even each other. I do like to use the board method when using the glue. It just seems to streamline the process. No matter how you baste it is essential to keep the backing tight and smooth in order to avoid puckers. You simply can't see them from the top. Basting isn't my favorite thing but I know that doing a good job on it makes the quilting so much easier and success is more assured.