Mom-6 I always hand stitch together no matter size of quilt or piece. Why? Because I have never found a flat methods using the zigzag. Sometimes instead of straight I have made a wave shape so as not to have all joined in same place. I made a double wedding ring in sections and joined in curves as I was doing a kind of quilt as you go my way.
I have also found that since I use 505 spray, other makes also available I do a quick spray over before placing together.