I started out with an old needle, no thread, and construction paper. I did that over and over till I got fairly consistant, then I used fabric rectangles about the size of placemats, and a high contrast thread....this way I didn't have to worry about getting the bulk of a quilt to behave while I was learning. I used solid fabric so that I could really see what I was doing. After that I did a few baby quilt panels, then a quilt. Be patient with yourself....enjoy it. It's one of those things that takes a long time to learn, but when it clicks, it's worth it!