I started out just like you. Then got the nerve to use spray baste, that helped some of the tucks, then stuck to it. I also found making sure your back is nice and taut when spraying helped even more, then I found not going too, too fast on the machine helped even more. Then practice on the free motion quilt after quilt. Now I can say I have almost no tucks. It is a process. If I can do it anyone can.