You certainly could use this for a first quilt, BUT, what I might suggest is something I first saw on this board and then later on You Tube...Elmers SCHOOL Glue (Not the Glue All)...must get this. Use it to make tiny tiny dots of glue about every 8 in or so on the edge down one strip before you place the other on top to sew. it will keep the pieces even while you're sewing down one side. After you sew your seam press it to set and then open the seam and press to the dark. Later, when you're sewing your blocks together, again use a tiny dot of the School glue to match your seams and press after sewing. Accurate, doesn't gum up the machine and really helps keep things straight. The School Glue is really a form of starch and it washes right out. Good Luck!