Newbie Question about quilting tools...
 

What did you start with, what tools did you make sure you had to start with (specific rulers, cutting mats, rotary cutter or scissors) or what did you wish you had? TIA

A good rotary cutter and mat are a must! And a good seam ripper :)

Rotary cutter, mat, 24"x8.5" (or x6.5") ruler and a smaller ruler, maybe 6"x4", pins, scissors, seam ripper. Not a lot is really required, but we manage to accumulate all sorts of other things anyway.

Same things for me.

I started with an old rotary mat and cutter, didn't realize it was so bad until I hurt my back trying to cut fabric. I wish I had bought a new set right away instead of going through that agony. I like to have good supply of the right sewing machine needles, quilt safety pins, best press starch, thread, 6x24 ruler, FMQ gloves. I have also updated my ironing board cover, straight pins, sisscors, and sewing machine. Next a new iron. I splurged on a 17x17 olfa rotary mat, I love it.

Dunster's got it right. :thumbup:

Ok, i just need a mat, ruler and a rotary cutter then. :)

And rotary cutter refill blades! You will dull them quickly until you really get the hang of things by bumping them on ruler edges. I think the hardest thing for me was getting accurate on cutting. Get invisigrip to cover the back of your rulers. Also, silk pins-Clover brand-make all the difference. They are long and very thin.

I love the easy angle ruler

This is what I ask my beginning student to purchase when they start quilting.

1. Olfa rotary cutter (45mm) and an Olfa mat - preferably the 24" x 36" one.
2. 6" x 24" ruler
3. 6' x 12" ruler
4. 12" square ruler
5. seam ripper
6. 4-squares-to-the-inch graph paper - This and the following couple of items can help you draw your own designs and blocks and can become the simplest way to learn to alter any size block you need.
7. 6" school ruler
8. colored pencils
9. best quilting how-to book they can afford
10. a savings account started for a beginner's class at the local quilting store.

Jan in VA