Don't be discouraged my first two pieces were sooo sad pleating on the back. Went right to a strip quilt and believe me tearing out stippling is NO fun. It does take practice. I am branching out in my designs from stippling and so far so good. Pin no farther than a handspan in any direction. Pin back of quilt tauntl to carpet if you have. Leave pinned until all safety pins are in then release from the carpet. Get a large artist pad and practice drawing. I'm no expert, but these things worked for me. The very hardest part for me is controlling the speed am still working on even stitching.