I would be sure it is cotton and not poly/cotton. For my first quilt, I did buy Wal-Mart fabric, because if it did not turn out good it was no big loss. I am still not into buying the very expensive fabric when it comes to a mystery quilt. I have found that most of the time I am not happy enough with the results that I wished I had bought the really good fabric. If you are making one for a special occasion or person yes, get the best you can afford. But for my first try no. What if you find you do not like to quilt? God forbid this should happen, but it does. If the place you are taking your class from is a quilt shop they may offer a discount if you buy your supplies from them. Anyway, please have fun. Let us know how it goes.