MaryJane - no it's really NOT difficult. The main thing is to be organised with your blocks so you don't get them muddled. A design wall is ideal otherwise the floor in a spare room where they can be undisturbed for a while would work just as well. Just follow through the instructions in the book. I had it open at the side of me the first couple of times and used it like a manual. Any problems with anything, feel free to give me a shout! They're addictive though - I've got two more tops sitting upstairs now waiting to be quilted! :-D