Originally Posted by
jo bauer
This kind of thing is why we all learn to fudge a bit. *Ahem* Not s'posed to admit that one. All of the suggestions above are great. The only thing not mentioned specifically above, though hinted at is that the sewing machine itself can contribute to the problem. The feed dogs pull the bottom layer ever so slightly which causes the top layer to slip down a little smidgeon. I always use an anchor piece to begin and am strict about making sure the top edges meet and pin until a couple of stitches are in. Before getting to the bottom of the squares (somewhere around 1/2 way, make sure they also are aligned evenly and hang on to them for dear life (or pin).
That is true - on most machines, the layer next to the feed dogs does get pushed through faster - which is why it has been suggested that it works better to put the layer that needs to be eased in on the bottom.
Now that you mention it, I do what you said. (Even with a Pfaff IDT mechanism!)
On long lengths - like borders - I mark on the fabric intervals that "match" intervals on the body of the quilt - and then pin at those intervals.