I wished I could help you. I used to sew a lot a long time ago and pretty much stopped when sewing at home became more expensive than buying clothing. And my life changed and I was working all the time...
Have you looked for the manual of your brand online? They are often available. It seems the hardest part is to adjust the tension right.
The sewing itself is not that much different. Just that your fabric gets cut, sewn and finished all at the same time.
I used to practice on napkins - straight seams and if the tension is not right, you go over the same side again and just end up with a smaller napkin :)