And also as mentioned in that same other topic, this hand-basting tutorial may address the problems you're having:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

You said you stitched one row down and one row up. If you did this, it will create a 'wave' between the stitching. I just read about this. Have to sew in the same direction as much as possible.

I just made a baby quilt that did the same thing, I started in the middle and sewed in both directions but the material must have shifted. I also decided I am not good with a straight line because the whole time I had that song in my head "You're drunk, Your're dunk" my lines definately need more practice. Must make more quilts to get this practice in.

start in the middle and work your way out.

Thanks everybody, i have tried the stitch lenght on 4.0 on a few potholders i pieced ( after ripping out the quilting a few times before i tried that) and it looks much better now, i will try to get a walking foot or a satin foot and let you know the results again..

Try to get a walking foot (also called even feed) that was specifically made for your machine. The universal ones don't work nearly as well. I found one for my old Singer on E-bay.

ABSOLUTELY ! ! ! ! NO DOUBT ABOUT IT...a walking foot will make you sing praises, for sure.

I use a walking foot for all of my straight quilting. There is much less shifting since it feeds from the top and bottom. :lol:

Are you using a walking foot or do you have the even feed feature on your machine? That would help considerably and keep the fabric from moving around underneath.

If you use Basting spray - go for the 505 spray. It is the best. Also I just discovered that you can order it online at Walmart and have it delivered free to the closest store. It took less than a week and I have two cans just waiting for me to get my butt in gear.