Backing – Fabric used in the back of your quilt.

Batting – The fluffy filler between the quilt top and backing. Batting comes in many sizes and materials – cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blend, and wool. See our detailed batting discussion for the specific properties of each type.

Computer – This is becoming a new quilting tool because of the many wonderful software programs made just for quilters.

Fabric – Use the best quality fabric you can for your quilt. Most quilters prefer 100% cotton fabric.

Iron – Used to press the seams to ensure accurate piecing. A smooth sole and steam are helpful.

Marking Pens and Pencils – Use temporary pens and pencils to transfer quilt patterns to fabric. Permanent pens can be used for quilt labels.

Measuring Tape – A flexible measuring tape, measuring about 100 inches long is helpful for quilting.

Needles – First and foremost, needles need to be sharp. Larger needle numbers indicate smaller needle sizes. Beginners should use size 8 needles. Small needles make finer stitches.

Needle Threader – Aids in threading needles.

Pins – Used to hold fabric pieces in correct position for piecing. Glass head pins hold up to heat. Flower pins are easy to use because they are easy to handle. Safety pins are used to baste the quilt top, batting, and backing together before quilting. Select long, slim pins that slide through fabric easily.

Pin Cushion – Used to hold and store pins for easy access.

Rotary Cutter – Uses a razor sharp rolling blade to cut multiple layers of fabric with speed and accuracy. Be sure to purchase a cutter with a safety guard and keep the guard over the blade when it’s not in use, because the blade is extremely sharp. There are several sizes of rotary cutters available. A 45 mm blade is good for beginners. Change rotary blades when they skip or cease cutting easily.

Rotary Cutting Mat – Used to protect surfaces while rotary cutting fabric. Avoids dulling the rotary cutter blade. An 18” x 24” cutting mat should be ample for beginners.

Rotary Cutting Ruler – Use transparent acrylic rulers, marked with angles and measurements, with rotary cutters. Rulers must be thick enough to guide the cutter blade along its edge with accuracy, be easy to read, and be convenient in size. A 6” x 12” ruler marked with ¹/₈” increments with 30, 45, and 60 degree angles is a good first purchase. The ruler should have a thickness of ¹/₈”. A 6” square ruler may also be helpful to a beginning quilter. It is recommended that you choose a particular brand of rulers and stick with it whenever you purchase more rulers.

Safety Pins – Used for basting if you plan to machine quilt. The pins are easy to remove as you sew. Small brass pins are the best.

Scissors – Quilting requires two good pairs of scissors. Choose the best scissors that you can afford. You will need one pair to cut fabrics with and another pair to cut paper. Designate which scissors you will use for what purpose and stick with it. You may also want to purchase a small pair of scissors to keep near your sewing machine to trim threads.

Seam Ripper – Used to remove stitches. Choose a seam ripper with a fine blade.

Sewing Machine – There are many different brands. Choose one to fit your needs. Some features to look for: a good balanced stitch, accurate ¼" seams, single-hole throatplate, sensitive foot control, retractable feed dogs, ability to adjust needle position, darning foot, sewing bed extension, accessible bobbin case, carrying handle, good light, adjustable zigzag stitch.

Thimble – Provides protection for fingers from needle jabs, prevents calluses, and relieves pressure that comes from pushing needles through many layers of fabric. Thimbles are worn on the second finger of the dominant hand and they may be metal, plastic, or leather.

Thread – Choose threads to match your fabric material. For example if you are using cotton fabric then choose a cotton thread. It is recommended that you use cotton thread because it is good quality, easy to find, and your quilting line will remain crisp because it has little stretch. Hand quilting thread has a finish to prevent twisting and should not be used on the machine.