I also do as most of the others, sew to back and stitch to the front. One thing that helps me is the binding foot, it helps keep it straight. Also whenever I am ready to sew it to the front, I often get some scraps and a little piece of scrap batting and do a few practice pieces. That way I know what it will look like and can adjust things particularly when using a decorative stitch. If it is real thick I will stitch the top with a denim needle.