The book "Mastering Precision Piecing" 2006 by Sally Collins was the single best book that helped me the most. I checked it out at the library.
Cut fabric accurately - square up the fabric first (use rotary cutter)
Get that scant 1/4" seam allowance
square up each section that you piece together
press gently without distorting the section. gently means with as little iron gliding as possible.
before you sew, put the needle down and butt the edge of the fabric up to the needle.
Slow is key. I pin a lot. Going slowly enables you to sew over the pins and not break your needle.
Hope this helps.