When I first started, I just did stitch-in-the-ditch or cross hatch straight lines. It's not the pretty quilting that you see done on most quilts here, but it works and looks just fine. Don't be discouraged. Save up some money for only the quilts you want to give as gifts. Do not use invisible thread if you are making a baby quilt as the thread may get twisted around little fingers and you won't see it until it has done some damage. I have never done hand quilting so I can't help you there.