I may not be pinning enough. I should have said smooth top rather than taut. I'm using poly batting as it's way more economical for me, at less than a third of the price of cotton/poly blend. I also don't have a large area for basting to I either have to do it in sections on the floor, or use my bed (which makes keeping everything smooth a bit challenging). I just have a cheap sewing machine with a generic walking foot, so no doubt that's also part of my issue.
I know my inexperience is mostly the issue. It's reassuring to know I'm not alone in struggling with this.
For glue basting, do you daub or spray? I tried daubing, I'm wondering if diluting it a bit and spraying would give me better results in keeping anything from shifting on me.
Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I'm learning!...the hard way, but I am learning!