When I first started I had my self healing mat, a rotary cutter and a 12 by 12 ruler and that's all I needed-Of course scissors, pins and seam ripper I already had for sewing and mending. I did use some inexpensive fabric when learning and now just look for sale fabric at all the quilt websites, there's tons. And still but my batting with my Joann's coupon for batting. I now buy different types of rulers but don't have really to.