I don't know if it will help anyone, but when I'm sewing, knitting or crocheting, I have a piece of work on the side, where I can practise stitches or techniques. To make sure it looks right, but also to help with the number count. It's a right dogs dinner by the time I'm done, but it helps to be able to have a go at the stitches with out mucking up my 'good' yarn.
I suppose it acts a bit like a toile, letting me make mistakes where it doesn't matter.
I saw a lovely teddy at DD's this weekend, garter stitch, and appears to be all in one piece. Just off to find the pattern.
Jessie