I used one for years before learning how to free motion on my own. It is like anything else, you have to practice and learn. I got frustrated the first few times but didn't get mad and put it in a closet. I kept on trying and then one day it seemed to click and it was a piece of cake, like learning how to ride a bike. I quilted all my quilts on the JF frame except the very large ones. It's a shame so many give up, it really is a good product.