I pin about every 2" on both sides of the seams where I'm going to quilt. I don't use a walking foot but I know it is helpful with most machines. It is not necessary with a Viking Designer 1. But if you don't have a walking foot loosen the presser foot to 3 and it will really help. You can not over pin but you sure can under pin and REGRET it! So pin, pin pin, no matter what kind of batting you use! Keep it up, then mo0re you quilt the better each one is. Bernadette 8)