first off you should make a couple small practice sandwiches---like 10" or 12" squares with top, batting, back and PRACTICE---until you get the hang of it----then when you are comfortable and happy with your hearts move onto working on your quilt!
and yes- if you are going to do (free motion) quilting you need to drop the feed dogs and use a hopping foot (sometimes called a darning foot- sometimes a free motion foot)
but you need to practice- and be happy with your quilting before starting on an actual quilt.