I use fusible batting (Hobbs 80/20 fusible) and start straight line machine quilting at the top and work down, or if the design warrants, at the middle of the top line and work downwards and out to each side, just making sure everything is smooth, flat and not shifting. I have just finished a simple straight line design on a small wheelchair quilt with a fleece backing, and the top-down, middle-out method worked beautifully. I was happily surprised that the fleece backing didn't stretch ( it was batted with Hobbs fusible) and was very easy to do.