I find that by marking the centers on the tops and bottoms of the quilt top and the backing, matching up the pins I can keep the backing centered on the backing so I don't come up short.
Unpin, repin, and move forward.
Look at it as a learning experience.

I use a chopstick to help close the pins. Works great and it's free at the local Chinese restaurant. Also helps poke points all the way out without going through the fabric when turning them right side out.

so sorry to hear about your backing. I usually cut mine a lot larger to try to alleviate that problem but I have been really close before. I use a small Phillips screwdriver from my husband. I stole one of his Snap On screwdrivers because they are very study and I didn't have to worry about it bending. He hasn't found it yet and it works great. No bloody fingers. No blood on the quilt. I try to take my larger bed size quilts to church and push a few tables together. Easier than working on the floor or smaller table. Larger ones I have also thread basted them together rather than pinning. Probably because I didn't have enough pins.

This is weird. I also did the same thing tonight!

You guys are so supportive...it really is nice to get some opinions.

I decided to repin because it is off by about 4" and it would probably be fine, but I might gift this one, so I want it to be nice.

I did cut the backing about 4" larger than front and the batting was plenty big, which might be why I didn't see the backing had shifted, or because I am working on a table top - Bad knees - no floor work for me.

I have chop sticks and screw drivers so I will try them.

I really liked the Sharon Schamber video someone PM. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA I might try this on my next one.

And my latest quote should be helpful too. "A day hemmed in prayer is less likely to unravel". Unknown

I have to admit I've done the same thing. Very frustrating. I don't think I cried but I sure cussed a lot- probably invented a few new words while at it. :lol:

To avoid the pricked fingers I use the Kwik Klip when pinning. Works great.

Oh Eleaine, I'm so sorry, I've been there and actually done that on a huge monster. Just be thankful you found it BEFORE you started actually quilting it!

You can use a grapefruit spoon to pin with.

I love my Kwik Klip and would never be without it again. It is my most favorite notion!!