I've made 3 of them and helped to cut two more. My opinion is to put the pins across the top and one side to make the fabric line up better... an extra set of hands comes in as helpful! Unless you're using a fabric with geometric lines.... no one will be able to tell if you are "just a little off". There is so much going on with the overall design!! I've never washed my fabric first, so there's no need for me to starch, etc. Flower pins do work best..... also, after you get the fabric matched up in the six/eight repeats.... use a bunch of pins to hold it until it's cut. I also put each hex/oct on a paper plate so I could shuffle them around without handling the material so much. Have fun!! I think of these as tye dye for quilters!!! Never know just how it will work until you start messing with your pieces.