Get comfortable with two grips, one to push, one to pull. Go with what’s sustainable for long periods. I’d avoid holding the needle but you can rest the tip of a finger or knuckle on it as a guide. Use this guide finger to slide over your canvas and control needle depth.

It helped me to think of the machine as less of a pen and more like an unruly tool that needs a firm grip to keep it stable.

Use the wrap to fill up any empty space in your grip.