For me - the first hurdle was stabilizer and how to properly hoop a design; it makes a huge difference on the finished design and how it looks. Also, I have since learned that certain hoops are much easier to hoop than others, i.e. how sturdy is the hoop itself. After purchasing my machine I added on a 6 x 6 hoop and it's design is much thicker which makes the hooping process so much easier and it reduces the distortion/pulling of the stabilizer and resulting registration issues. Other things I have recently learned was the use of two layers of stabilizers in the beginning rather than floating tearaway on the back of the design while stitching. Other tips I needed related to products such as "Grip It" or wrapping the sides of the hoop with self-adhesive tape to reduce the stabilizer distortion.