1) It's easier to get small stitches with a very thin batting
2) It's easier to get small stitches with a tiny needles (11 or 12 - which are very hard for me to thread!)
3) It's easier to get small stitches when the sandwich has some "flex".
I also thought that the sandwich was supposed to be stretched tight when in a hoop. DUH! Worked so much better when I gave it some give.
4) Evenness and consistency of stitches is rated higher than smallness of stitches (I think)
I can do fairly even - but I just don't seem to be able to do pin-prick size stitches. And I've decided not to worry about it!