Grab some scrap fabric, maybe 18"x18". Muslin is great to practice on. Make a quilt sandwich (top, batting, backing). Put it together like you are going to do on the real quilt, 505 spray, pins, or whatever method you use.
Then: Practice. Find what works for YOU. And practice some more.
I'm on my 3rd BOLT of muslin for long arm practice. I wish I'd done some practicing (I did none) when I was using my DSM (home machine). Some of my earlier quilts would have turned out a lot better, instead of looking like practice pieces. Some people can just dig in, and it looks great. I just wasn't one of them!