First of all it looks so beautiful. Now to business, whatever you are doing seems just fine to me that's how i do it and it doesn't pucker at all. Are you sure you are using the walking foot because i am not sure if i am seeing this right but looks like the star points are layered! Is there a thick layer of pieces (adjust the tension to match the thickness) Also you might want to try the 1/4" steam a seam roll I use that a lot to turn edges so i can sew easily. I am really a beginner at all that but i try whatever it works and make my work look nice :oops: