You can use glue or blue tape to keep the ends down. I use the tape because I use the accuquilt and the tabs are already cut. You can also use a walking foot to help keep the fabric going right. If you presser foot has a little small know (screw head) on the side, could be black, when you get right before the thick part push on the black knob and it'll help the presser foot go up over the fabric. Hope this helps
I make mine 3 layers but only two layers get sewn together, the middle layer is held in place by the X or embroidery design and then I also stitch around the square before I sew them all together.