I use the fork pins too. They really help keep the seams together. I pin one pin in the seam then replace it with a fork pin so it holds down both sides of the seam. Does that make sense? I start at the right end, pin the edges tog., then the next seam & work over to the left side of the blocks. (as I'm looking at it) Hope that helps & didn't confuse you more?? :roll: I also use a "hump jumper" If the seam is real thick & the machine doesn't want to go over it smoothly, I use the jumper to help it over. I think I bought them at either Clotilde or Joann's? 2 in a package. That helps keep the machine from 'pushing' your fabric. It's actually called a Jean-a-Ma-Jig-$3.48 @ Clotilde.com.