To gain a little more experience trythis trick. It is how I learned to freemotiion and really a big help. Take the thread from you machine , work with an empty needle, put the "darning foot" onthe machine, drop the feeddogs and use a piece of scrap paper. just start stitching on the paper. move it around to get a feel for it. Keep trying until you can make the "holes" about the same distance apart. I did this for a few weeks every chance I got. when I could get the needle holes close I started to make definite shapes like fancy L or lower case e or just meander for puzzle shape. The fear is gone because you are not wasting anything but using scrap paper. Then put scrap fabric together with the batting, about 12" x 12" add thread to your needle and bobbin and just do the same thing you did with the paper. there is a different feel to using the fabric but you will get it faster now. Try a written L shape or lower case e or just meander around like a puzzle piece. before you know it you will have your favorite shapes and be off and quilting.
Also a great tool is the SUPREME SLIDER. It is 100% teflon and the fabric moves so easily when you are working on a quilt. It sells for around 30.00 but is worth every penny in the relief it gives your hands.
Have fun
Barbara