Mrs Fitz. I am not very good at explaining but here goes. I pin the fabric to the paper template, fold the fabric over, but just "catch" the corners in a big stitch, then move straight to the next corner with no stitches in between. I do not pierce the papers at any stage. As you can see from my slightly crumpled papers, this method does hold everything together during construction. I love the portability of paper piecing. I have attempted to provide photos....hope it works. Oh the completed ones still have the papers and basting in.