I teach to use a fusible batting on the top - ironing it to the top first makes it much easier to line up with the back.
I also don't teach to use safety pins - they can't remain at the needle and really increase the chances of puckers.
I teach to also use the spray adhesive - but only 3M Spray mount. It is the one designed for photos and has all the safeguards for fabric as a result. I love it because it doesn't wash out.
Why is it good for it not to wash away? Because once someone sits on the bed and the fabric stretches under them - the batting tears and can ball up in the middle of the front and the back.
As for the quilting part - I use our Octi-Hoops and then we don't need to use a foot - there are -0- puckers so there is no need to start in the middle and work your puckers out - because there are no puckers.
Hope this helps...