It means temporarily fastening your material to a stabiliser by large stitches, either by hand or by machine. Some embroidery machine make a basting stitch around the design at the press of a button. Otherwise you can use a basting line the width and breadth of your hoop, digitized and used as a separate design. Having those is very useful. Instead of basting you can use temporary spray glue or sticky stabiliser, but that might leave residue on your needle. Hope this helps. Martine

Marie, I see Martine has given you your Answer - hugs Yvonne