I use a laser and it does require practice when you first start doing it. Even now I do practice runs (machine not on..just going over the pattern ) before I start the actual quilting as I don't use them that often. The dry runs help you loosen up a little which will make your curves smoother. Once you use them you'll love them. I can move the laser to the front of the machine and use block patterns which is nice. Did that a lot when I quilted for others. Even drew up some patterns of my own to fit/go with the quilt that I was working on at the time.