I have hand quilted several quilts and I don't think I will ever go back. It take soooo much time and it hurts my fingers, let alone if someone were to look at my stitches I am sure they were horrible. I know the pleating in the back can be very very frustrating. I have picked some out of my own.. I find I have the best luck if I spray baste and pin the layers together. Sometimes I think I must flip and flop my quilts around a lot more than others, so I take extra precautions. Honestly, I don't use my walking foot most of the times. I have used it, but I am just used to not using it. Good Luck