Parrothead

To get started a pair of scissors, needle, thread and thimble. That is what our Grandmothers used. After you get started you can gradually add the cutting board, rotary cutter, etc. I have used the purchased quilt binding by Wrights. It is not shiny, that is blanket binding. It is wide and double. I did not have any of the original fabric and the backing was white so I bound in white quilt binding. I did not have any trouble attaching and sewing it.
Do you have a friend or relative that sews? They could give you left over fabric and you could make a scrappy quilt.

dyer804

Watch the classified ads in you local paper. That is how I started my stash. I checked for months and finally saw one from a quilter who was "retiring". I try to use fabric from my stash purchasing only small pieces to supplement. Save all of your scraps as scrappy quilts are fun to make as well as thrifty. Good luck!

Cottontop

Do you have a Joann's Fabric store close by? They have coupon circulars (mailed to existing customers, or sitting in a basket at the front of the store. Sometimes 40%, 50% off regular priced items...should cut down the cost of a cutting mat for one example. The coupons work for fabric, too.

Welcome to quilting. Sally

krisgray

The best book I've seen, and continue to use, is _Better Homes & Garden's Complete Guide to Quilting_. It's a great reference, covers hand and machine techniques - great resource. Check it out at Amazon, Joann's, Borders, Barnes & Noble - or see if your local library has a copy so you can preview it and see if it works for you.

Bobbin along

Random thoughts for a "Newbie"--join a group ( a bee) if you can find one-there will be plenty of hands-on helpers there. Also, on cutting mats--I'd avoid the white, hard-surfaced ones--they dull your rotary cutting blades much faster. Strive for very accurate cutting and sewing. Remember to breathe! and always have fun! :lol: :lol:

dorrell ann

I would start with a 45mm rotary cutter

MerryQuilter

My favorite rulers are quilters rule

Rann

One more thought. I have found many books with patterns and template drawings at the local used bookstore. This really cut down on the price of patterns.

Hobbyhorse1027

To cut cost I would reccommend not buying patterns or books. That is unless it is a pattern or book that you absolutely love. There are quilting books available at most libraries and an abundance of patterns online. www.QuiltersCache.com is a great site for free patterns. There is an abundance of info on this Quilting Board, just do a search. There are alot of websites that have how-to information for beginning quilters. If you are a visual person and need to see a demonstration there are plenty of videos on YouTube. A 45mm or 60mm rotary cutting blade is versatile, you wont outgrow them. Use a coupon to get a good sized cutting mat, if you buy one that is too small cutting yardage will be more difficult. If your mat is too big you may not have a place to put it. Good luck on your quilting journey.

Pickles

If you get a big cutting Mat and don't have a place to put it you could do as I do, I bought a big sheet of Plywood and had the lumberyard cut it in half and thats what I lay my cutting mat on
and lay them on my bed to cut on. When not in use you could slide them under your bed , just don't let any pet lay on them
if you have any.. :-D