ocydroma

I am very new to quilting. I have signed up for a class on the 22nd. What are some must haves I need to purchase. The store owner said they had items to borrow such as irons. But I don't want to have to wait and I will be using the stuff at a later date anyway.

I have the jelly roll, my machine and that/s all I have for now. I am going tomorrow to buy the little irons that the quilt store sales. I have pins.

I want to be prepared.

Thanks!

misskira

If you don't already have a regular size iron, I would start there rather than a small one. A good pair of scissors, a rotary cutter and mat, and 6.5x24" ruler are handy. You don't need a ton to start, I would buy things as you need them for projects rather than trying to project ahead and buy for the future. At least for me, it's more manageable that way, both for my brain and my pocketbook.

Up North

Yes rotary cutter mat, Iron and Scissors and a ruler is really all you need to start! I started with a ruler from the dollar store!WE do not have any classes near me so I am self taught I bought as I went along.

May in Jersey

What class are you taking? I'm assuming it is a quilting class. Is it a learn to quilt class or maybe how to make a certain quilt pattern like a log cabin quilt? For most classes you need to buy the book or pattern, so you need to check to find out if it is included in the price of the class.

General quilting supplies besides your machine are scissors, thread, rotary cutter and extra blades, long quilting straight pins, safety pins, several different size quilt rulers, a cutting mat and, of course, the fabrics needed for the class you are taking. Sometimes the instructor has project kits available for an additional cost. The quilt shop usually has cutting mats, irons, ironing boards and water spray bottles available for use during the class so you don't need to take those items to the class with you.

Gramie bj

Where are you taking the class? They should have a required for class list. My LQS offers a 10% discount on all supplies and equipment purchesed for the class on class day (not machines) rullers, fabric, thread ect, Don't buy it all right away, if you can use the shop rulers and mats ect. do. It's like test driving a car. Try it before you buy. Some scissors, and rotery cutters feal better in hand than others, Some brands of rullers have yellow lines and numbers, some have black, which do you find easyer to see? Some times you really need to try a tool before you buy. Good luck and Have fun with your class!

spokanequilter

The one ruler that I find indispensible is the good old 6-1/2" square - I use it probably more than any other. But the 6x24 is also a great size to have. If you think you will love quilting (which of course you will) go ahead and buy a few basic supplies, but you will definitely add more as time goes by. Rotary cutter, cutting mat, a couple of rulers, scissors, pins, and don't forget the essential seam ripper (we all have to unsew at times)... Have fun at your class and hopefully you will be totally hooked on quilting!!

Toni C

What they said and thread. Take a pencil (for marking and notes) and practice the 1/4 inch seam.That way you know where your needle needs to be or if your foot is a true 1/4. Not all quarter inch feet are really that,and it's nice to know what YOUR machine does.

QM

About those pins. Regular sewing pins are fat by comparison with quilters' pins. You can use regular pins, but they tend to distort your work. When you get that ruler, make sure you can see through it well. IMHO, the ones with fairly wide yellow lines are a poor bet. Make sure there are marks which allow you to check on 1/4" measures.

Enjoy. Besides your instructor, you have lots of buddies here to give you hints as you go along.

Tashana

When I started quilting I was in Italy. Needless to say no quilting stores to be found anywhere so I asked a friend from the states to bring me the most important things and this is what she brought me: rotary cutter, cutting mat and 6x24 ruler. These are the same things I use now, 10 years later. You need a pair of sizors and I am sure you have an iron at home. When I moved back to the states I took every single class the City Quilter inNY had to offer. Over the years I added a few items, but the original three I still use every day. I would go for a small mat for classes and down the road get a larger one just for home. I have a small tool box for on the go quilting with basic sewing kit (needles, thread, thread snips, seam ripper, extra bobbins and replacement needle for my machine), my rotary cutter, sizors, and a pair of dollar store sizors for paper. I never had to wait longer than a few minutes to press my stuff in class. Carrying your own iron is a pain in the neck since it is very hot after class. Those little seam irons never really worked for me. Enjoy, have fun and happy quilting.

QuiltnNan

this is excellent advice... my favorite ruler is the 6.5x24"... if i had to choose just one, this would be it.