just find a pattern you like [lots on-line] go by the #'s is not hard. if you stard you will be HOCKED. a good light next to your machine will help, to check to see that the fabric is in the right place. I find that haveing the iron close helps to. i like working on parcment paper and endless paper towels, some people have used coffee filters, OLD newpaper, copy paper, fabric, old sheets, just about anything that your can mark on and see throw wiil work.