Ditto, ditto, ditto!!

Even the best quilters rip a fair amount of seams. :) But if your like me you'll probably be unable to locate/reach your ripper at the worst time so having and extra, or two, or three won't hurt.

My over $20 is definitely my cutting table. I used to cut on the floor because I didn't like carrying project up and down stairs to cut them at the kitchen table. It's also where I baste my projects for quilting. Under $20 is my 12.5 inch square ruler. I use it for every quilt I make. I only use the long ruler when I have too. I think the square one gives me more control and I can cut straighter.

Happy quilting

Most everyone has hit on all your basics already. The only thing I would suggest is, when looking at rulers to purchase, pick up several different of all the same size and lay them all on different colored/print fabrics. See which rulers the lines are easiest for you to read. When you make that decision, buy all of your basic rulers (6/8 x 24; 12.5 sq.; etc.) all the same brand. Not all rulers are created equal! I'd also suggest getting a smaller ruler say 6" x 3" or thereabouts. Sometimes easier to trim things with the smaller ruler. And if you are using all the same brand, you know the measurements are the same.

Only other tool in the over $20 category I would suggest is a rotating mat when you have a 50% or better coupon for JoAnns or the like. Great for trimming smaller units within blocks or smaller blocks without a lot of turning of the work.

Besides the basics i really love june tsylor shape cut over 20$ and a design wall under 20$
Enjoy!

I use a small curved manicure scissor for help in unsewing many seams.

Decent pin catchers or pin cushions.

Decent cutting scissors - I prefer a smaller one now - I have smaller hands and the big ones are just BIG for me.

I think what you get depends on your style of quilting/piecing.

I like the smaller cutting mats for trimming little pieces from scraps while watching TV.

Good hand sewing needles are useful, too.

Good lighting.

My camera! I keep a visual record of EVERY quilt that I make. I take shots of them in progress and finished. AND I love to show them to you when they are done.

Kay Buckley small scissors under $20.00 and Kay Buckley large scissors over $20.00

I would have to say a June Tailor Shape Cut, there are several different ones, but I prefer the one with the slits every 1/2". This I would get with a 40% off coupon. Another must have is an "ergonomically" correct rotary cutter. Another must have would be the largest self healing mat I could afford, a minimum of 24" x 36".

The only thing I can add is coupons. Joann fabric has great coupons for the basics. If you watch their flyers, you will notice that most things you want are on sale every other flyer. Definitely buy extra rotary blades when they are on sale.

The only thing I would add to the list over $20 is a good comfortable chair. It made a big difference when my son talked me into purchasing an adjustable chair instead of just using one of my kitchen chairs.