Hi, I usually hand quilt. I usually cut geometric shapes (circles, squares etc depends on quilt pattern) out of paper for my templates and pin them to the quilt. I also use embroidery thread to quilt because I like the contrast. But the white paper templates are easy to put on and see, and so is the bright embroidery thread. I am a self taught quilter so I don't go by any rules when I quilt, just do what I like.