First off let me welcome ;you to the QB from SE Michigan! A walking foot is recommended but you can make your quilt without it. You will get a much nicer finish with the walking foot they run around $15-20 USA With the being your first quilt you may not want to make that investment yet but it will make things go much smoother.. It doesn't sound like your quilt is going to be much larger than a twin to full size quilt. Go easy on yourself. I want to see you grow in your love of quilting. Again welcome to the QB!