All you have to remember is to put the Right Side of the fabric to 'hole' side of the device and you are good to go. it is easier to insert your fabric then cut out how much you need, rather than do it the hard way (like me!) and draw or measure first. Insert your fabric, put in the smaller flat disc until you hear the very distinct click ( no click, no sew!) then cut your fabric, leaving that small 1/4" all the way around (if that much - don't leave more than that - trust me, your yo-yo won't act right and it won't look right when you pull the thread at the end of your project). You need a good strong thread, but not fishing line strong. Mine keeps breaking and I thought polyester would work well. I was told to double my thread and that works okay but be careful because doubled thread has it's own issues.When everything works right, these things are highly addictive to make ... they are very quick and easy and when you have a unique fabric, they are really fun .. it takes 'fussy cutting' to a new level !! And don't forget there are other sizes of these things .. this is just a large one, that doesn't make a very large finished product ... you need an Extra Large YYM to get a 'large' yo yo (and it still isn't very large). Then there is the SMALL one that makes THE CUTEST tiny little yo yo !! :))Get one, of each size ... cold weather is coming and you will need something (else) to do inside.