I am trying out a GFG block that will be appliqued in a BOM project I'm working on right now. I'm running into the same problem as the original poster. I think I know the the ladder stitch is and that's how I apply my binding by hand, so I know that stitch. I think the running stitch is what I use when I hand quilt. What is an overcast stitch?
I found I didn't really care for the glue stick to adhere the paper to the fabric, but I did like using basting stitch to attach the paper to the fabric. I whip stitched a couple together and that wasn't bad. I too am trying to keep my stitch length short and that shortened some of those puckers too and I've been starching the daylights out of everything and I noticed right away the difference. Is a whip stitch like an overcast stitch?