Stitchnripper

This is what I do too. I use a table and shift it around. Start in the middle and work out. I've not had any problems and it is much easier than getting down on the floor and taping.

DJ

If/when I use my bed and spray baste, I put a clean sheet over the bed quilt to protect it. Then I can just throw the sheet in the wash when I'm done.

just janet

I agree, I use my queen size bed. It's the only big surface I have other than the floor. If I got down there though, I'd never get up! Smaller quilts I use the dining room table.

Mkotch

I use this method, too, but I leave the bedding on. I have a couple of older cutting mats that I've saved to slide under the sandwich so I don't end up pinning the bedding. If the quilt is larger than the bed, I start in the middle and pin well before sliding the quilt back and forth to pin the sides. I have found this method works best if the quilt back is either unwashed (iron well) or starched so that it is stiff and lays flat easily.

I also quilt larger quilts in sections, but this means pre-planning by not putting it all together before basting. Marti Michell has a book about this method that I have used.

WMUTeach

Mine are just stacking up until the world, my world, settles down so I can participate in my guild work day.in June or July. I will then layer several, quilt all summer and have a pile of finishes.

An alternative is to ask a local longarmer if they would baste you quilt for you for a moderate fee. I had one done like that and it worked beautifully for a hand quilting piece that was too large for a traditional layout and sandwiching.

toverly

Kitchen counter? Ironing board? I know either are not ideal but I have sandwiched mine on my kitchen island for the height and on my ironing board a little section at a time starting in the middle. The ironing board, I can only describe as the way you would iron sheets. I'm of the generation that used to have sheets ironed. LOL.

Iceblossom

My ironing board is currently set up across the side of my couch, I often layout fabric on the couch as I iron. As I mentioned earlier, my bed and my ironing board are my largest work surfaces -- but they can be augmented! If you ever get a box that is a good shape for fitting next to your bed or couch or whatever workspace, save it by emptying it and folding it flat. It can then be put between a couch and a wall, or under a bed or some sort of out of the way place, ready to snap into action with a fresh piece of tape.

Those flat folded cardboard also make a nice work surface or again like my kraft paper can be spread out over your bed for a firmer surface or one more suitable for pin basting. Trust me, spray is ok but you don't want to pin baste on a waterbed without a few extra precautions!

seazteddy

I tried my bed but kept pinning my bed to the quilt top. They are twin size tops. I guess I will wait for the library to open up and keep making tops. Thanks for your suggestions.