i agree with looking at as many books, videos, youtube and instructors as you can - all contribute wonderful tips and techniques. But once you have the basics down, you have to spread your wings and fly! Practice as much as you can...a little every time you are at your machine.
I personally find it easier to trace a continuous line template with a blue water soluble marker, and then try to follow that with my machine.
Once I have the "memory" of the design into my brain, I then find it easier to do it on my own with no lines.
Anyone else feel that way or do others have a different approach?