Make sure the batting is bigger than you want by a couple of inches all round at least. The batting will "shrink" in as you quilt. Tack all the layers together from the centre of the quilt out... to the corners first, then out to the sides and finally in between so the tacking looks like a starburst. This way the layers don't pucker when you quilt. Start quilting close to the centre of the quilt and work out. Again, this helps to avoid having puckers in the quilt especially when machine quilting. I like binding the quilt at the end. Use the thread as it comes off the reel (ie, thread the needle before you cut the thread from the reel)... this will minimise knotting in the cotton. Hope this helps a little