It gets better with time. ONe thought is to starch your fabric real good. I"ve learned that the hard way. I make my own starch and it seems to not stretch the fabric too much. I used to pin, but have resorted to elmers glue to baste my 3 layers together. The trick is to not put your glue too heavy. I usually do swirls with my point of the glue on the fabric. I also watered it down a little and have used a brush to put it on. Don't give up though. It gets better. Also invest in some rubber gloves when stitching. I buy the cheap ones from Harbor freight, they hug my hands and don't shift.