Practice, practice and comparison with what I have done in the past. I see much improvement and know I still have a long way to go. I have taken several classes in the stores and I have done several Craftsy classes. All of these instructors are different. Their methods are different and their quilts finish differently. I like the idea of broad knowledge and have the option to try new ways for different results. I use stencils and templates a lot as well as motifs withing the patchwork. I cannot draw a picture and my doodles are very inadequate; so, why would I think I can do it with a sewing machined needle! So, its stencils and rulers. I am always up for new ideas-some work and others do not. But, I keep trying.