Beginner Quilting Tools + Materials – What You Actually Need to Start

When you're just starting out, it's easy to feel like you need everything at the fabric store. But truthfully? You don’t need much to make your first quilt—and it’s okay to grow your tool kit over time. Here’s what you really need to begin:

✂️ Basic Tools

• Rotary Cutter & Cutting Mat: A sharp rotary cutter and a self-healing mat are essential for clean, accurate cuts.

• Quilting Ruler: A clear acrylic ruler (like 6.5" x 24.5") helps you measure and cut straight lines with ease.

• Iron & Ironing Board: Pressing seams flat makes a big difference in how your quilt looks and fits together.

🧵 Sewing Machine & Thread

A basic sewing machine that does a straight stitch is more than enough to start. Use 100% cotton thread (like Aurifil or Gutermann) for strong, smooth stitching.

🧶 Fabric & Batting

• Quilting Cotton: Start with good-quality quilting cotton—it behaves well and makes cutting and sewing easier.

• Batting: A lightweight cotton batting is forgiving and easy to quilt, especially for beginners.

🧷 The Extras (Nice to Have, Not Required)

• Quilting pins or clips

• Seam ripper (we all use them!)

• Walking foot for quilting straight lines