Had my machine in the shop for service and while the lady was checking it out I notice she held the threads taught as she started to sew. I asked about it and she also suggested that you don't start right on the edge but in a bit and when chain piecing just run a few stitches between pieces to move the first piece away and give you room to put the next piece in further before starting. Also said to manually put the needle down before sewing away. I like the paper idea above too - sounds like a good solution.