Some machines you can do one stitch at a time. Stitch ... move the machine ... stitch ... move the machine - so in effect you are basting. A lot of quilters will use this, or a "basting stitch" if their machine has one, to secure the quilt top to the batting and backing before they start quilting.
So yes ... I would say that some type of basting stitch, either automatic or manual, is necessary.