I was "taught" by wonderful person who was willing to teach me how to quilt. Me, having no sewing experience at all, I accepted all of her rules and most of the time I was sure it was "THE LAW". But this board took off the handcuffs and I have used many decorative stitches on my quilts. I would get bored with straight stich in the ditch. It give your quilts a twist that you are not going to find anywhere else.