A quick question as I am fairly new to embroidery by machine...How do you know where to put the center of the X in the hoop to begin with? I tried this with my machine only find that it didn't matter where I put the center of the X because my machine moves the hoop to where ever it decides it needs to be and then it sews on the design. I put the center of the X right in the very center of the hoop each time and find that the design ends up being off from center. I am currently working on little pillows for the girls in my daughter's class room as a Valentine gift for them. I thought it would be a great way to try and figure out this machine ~~ same design made 12 times. None have been in the area I need them to be. One thing I am sure of, this machine has a mind of it's own and I need to make sure that I leave a lot of extra fabric on the outside edges to ensure that I can complete the project I want to create. It's got to be the machine that isn't right, right? :0) Any other hints or tips you would like to share would be greatly appreciated by this newbie. Thanks for sharing.......Carol