Have you try lowering your feed dog's. It sounds like it is pulling your backing to fast. and you do need to alternate your direction on each strip. I have my machine set at stitch length 4 with feed dogs lowered just so the teeth are at the plate.

First and foremost, I would NOT be pinning. I have not pinned since I discovered spray basting. Pinning is just way too time consuming and frustrating.

I had this problem when I did my bursting star quilt because I was stitching in the ditch around the star. Used my seam ripper alot! I found that if I repositoned my safety pins frequently that helped alot.

I never knew alittle starch could make such a huge differance...Oh My has made my life so much easier.

Lots of helpful suggestions here already!!! Perhaps try spray basting just the backing fabric to the batting...not the top fabric? Let us all know if you find a solution that works for you.

Patti

1. 505 basting spray the backing to the batting.
2. Alternate sewing direction with each seam.

Try it - you'll like it.

Yes a walking foot, basting it down. Have you tried the basting spray? Just make sure you cover the surrounding area with newspaper.

I would use a walking foot..also..spray starch your backing. This may help you..lay your backing on a flat surface..spray with quilt basting spray..then lay your batting on top of that. I think Quilt basting spray is a Godsend. Hope this helps you.

I haven't read all the posts yet, so someone may have already said this. You may need to adjust the PRESSURE of the foot. It's a dial we rarely adjust - and when it's pushing down TOO HARD, even with a walking foot, you'll get puckers.

Have you washed the fabric yet? If not it may not be noticeable when washed!