I had the same fear when I started quilting. Finally decided that I was in LOVE with quilt making and since I couldn't afford to send my tops out for quilting would either have to bite the bullet and get started or stop altogether. Yep you guessed it I just bit the bullet and using invisible thread just started stippling and this was before UTube and everything else. I thought it was the most horrible looking thing but to this day I still get compliments on it.
We are our own worst critics! Believe me those that don't sew will think you are an award winning quilter!!!