I didn't read all the responses, so this may already be said. I'm an elementary educator, and I swiped this idea from books on teaching both printing and cursive: On your practice pieces either draw, or attach paper with simple lines, curves, zig-zags to sew over. When you have those mastered, move on to swirls, squiggles, curlicues, etc. It's how children learn to write. Practice, practice, practice!