Great website for hand embroidery tutorials, like this on for a braided chain stitch. Such a beautiful stitch and the tutorials are wonderful! --Basically Coptic stitch on fabric.
Clever Handmade - Embroidery Patterns - Rub Ons - Mod Flowers: If you prefer free hand sewing but need a little guide then you will love these Embroidery Pattern Rub Ons from Clever Handmade.
This is how you get really smooth, lovely satin stitches. Outline in split or chain stitch, fill in the area with chain or long & short stitches, and then do the satin stitch. The underlying stitches support the satin stitch and help it to lay smoothly.