To make learning fun and stress-free, make a "practice sandwich" from 2 yds of inexpensive fabric and 1 yd of batting 42 inches wide. On your top fabric, cut 3 12" strips selvedge to selvedge, then sew them back together using 1/4 in seams. Trim selvedge edges. Now cut in half the other way, then half again. Sew them back together again. You will have 12 blocks approx 9 1/2
x 11 1/2. Layer and pin. Now you have 12 practice blocks for free motion and seams to practice stitch-in-the-ditch. I found this to be very helpful when I was first learning. You're not concerned about messing up something you've put a lot of work into and you can try different things and see what you like best! I also ordered some cheap tops from Ebay and used those for practice. I use them for lap quilts at home.