Hi cbraces..Its a tough learning curve,I started applique with a pattern way above my skill level but I got through it after a lot of mistakes ..What I use now with multiable different colors is software Sewwhat it allows me to see, what the piece's that the pattern is going to sew, where the next piece has to go, different color cotton on where you have to glue and cut around, and gives you the ability to jump ahead to see what's happening with the pattern..this is my experience with applique