hi, When I first started stippling I took a piece of material, sandwiched it with batting and backing, about 9 inches sq. and practiced stippling. I acquaint it with playing the piano. you must get a rythum going so you don't end up with "thread throw-up" like the teacher taught us. It is really fun after you get the hang of it. and yes it looks like puzzle pieces sewn all over the quilt. Practice, practice, practice.