I would take the 8 sections apart then sew them back together in pairs, starting in the center- pin at each *match point* stitch from center out = press seam open; once all are in pairs then line up & pin at each match point 2 pairs - again starting in the center & sewing out- so you will have 2 halves. when you go to put the 2 halves together again start in the center- match each *match point & pin from center out to one side, stitch *from center out* then turn it over and pin, match points- from center out to other side and stitch...it may take more time but the final results are worth the extra work.