You can practice on index cards, without thread in your needle. I have taught two people to piece quilt tops, and used this method until they learned where the 1/4 inch is on their machine and until they learned to sew a straight line. Neither of these girls had ever sewn before. I also did this when I bought a new "old" machine recently so I could determine exactly where the quarter inch should be. You'll be glad you mastered this very important technique as you sew more and more intricate designs.