I don't use paper, templates, or traced patterns. I just do FMQ as the spirit moves me. No pieces of paper to pluck, no pen markings to wash out, no powder to fuss with. One way to get the pattern in your mind is to use a white board with erasable pens & practice the moves. I always make one sample quilt block out of the fabrics used in the quilt & practice on it to make sure the thread & FMQ look ok. JCY