I use a 14" round hoop and love that I can put it in my lap, propped against a card table, turn to best advantage for my hands/wrists. I use safety pins to baste the layers together and not exceptionally close. Start in the center and work out, keeping in mind grain of fabric to reduce bias stretching. Can feel if there's a pucker underneath and readjust the pins. As to your present piece, if the puckers aren't severe and it's for your own use, don't fret over it. Like another mentioned, it will remind you how far you've come. You'll never notice the puckers while sleeping beneath it!