When I was working on a quilt last summer that included various blocks with 1 inch pieces that were to end up 3 and 1/2 squares, I finally found that if I used spray starch on the fabric before I cut the small pieces and spray starched each time I pressed each step of the construction of each block I had much better results. This after much seam ripping and frustration. Finally, I remembered reading on this board somewhere about "starching until the fabric felt like paper." So that is what I did and it worked for that project. Not really needed for every project. I use Aurifil thread for piecing and FMQ, if that helps. I think it is 50 weight. Good luck with your quilt!