For the wavy stitch and other decorative I would use a template. Meandering I would practice, as I have on scraps. I have a few potholder and up to pillow size scraps that I practice on. I've ripped the stitches out and started over a lot and the thread is usually some old thread I've had. the largest piece is 12"x12". practicing is actually fun. You also learn eye hand control. My nieces daughter comes over once in a while and she practices. She's 8 and having a ball.