I have always done a running stitch when I hand piece, they were a GFG and a patchwork top. And to keep my seams at 1/4 inch I drew a line with a pencil before I sewed - only on one piece after a while but in the beginning I did both pieces so I could make sure I was catching both sides in the right area. Matching I did with pins and then making sure my needle went thru where the pin was. It does take a bit of practice - but it became much easier with time.