Glad to see you are willing to ask questions and learn new things. You have asked some good questions. When you start to sew , don't get discouraged if things aren't prefect. We all have had that happen to us. I also taught myself to quilt. Along with this site and the wonderful smart people on here. I am teaching my granddaughter to quilt. She is 12. She has made a dog quilt. The best of luck to you.