I am right handed so I start in the middle right hand side of a leaf, stitch up to the point leaving less than 1/16, take an extra stitch right at the point then use my needle to swing the fabric into the leaf point, tuck, tuck and then continue down the left side...my circles I do before hand around a plastic template (no matter the size) and just gather the fabric around the circle, press and starch heavily, take out the plastic,,,perfect circle..easy to stitch...good luck