I fold the materials and hand press so I know where the center is. Then I open them up and spray baste between each layer VERY LIGHTLY. I start either pin basting or tie stitch basting from the center out about mid way every 3 inches. When I'm done it looks like a sunburst pattern. Then I'm able to get to the quilting and no ripples. I've done a couple small ones this way. Am working on a bigger one and will do the same. May be a little more time consuming but worth it always in the long run. I usually have to take it outside and use a couple saw horses and a large piece of plywood. Can't stand the smell of the spray baste in the house.