No you absolutely do not need a stitch regulator. You will most likely need to practice more. I do not have a stitch regulator and do all my own quilts on a regular sewing machine. Some things that made a difference for me was wearing gloves for quilting and pray bastig versus pinning. Also relax. Oh use a new 90/14 top stitch needle and good thread like aurafil or whatever your machine likes. Yes, drop the feed dogs or cover them.