One of the best tools I've found I learn about here on the QBoard.....fork pins. Two-pronged pins that hold both sides of a seam in place at the same time. I haven't mastered poking a pin through the points....seems like no matter how precise I think I'm being, it always goes in at an angle. The fork pins work for me.....plus patience and practice!! Some LQSs have them. Also Connecting Threads and probably other online places as well. Kind of pricey little things, but I don't mind if it works. Good luck!
Karen