cursive e's or l's, flowers and leaves, whatever type of quilting you want to do on the real thing. Take 2 ugly pieces of fabric, sheets or muslin and layer with a craft/crib size batt or an old blanket and just have at it. If you're still not comfortable, load up another one. Use the same thread in the top & bobbin when you start to save yourself some headaches. Get to know your new buddy! If your's came with the manual & DVD's--read & watch them a few times. You'll pickup things you missed at first.