Tools/Equipment for someone just staring out -
 

If someone was wanting to make a quilt - and did not have a lot of money - what would you recommend that they get to start?

Let's assume two scenarios:

1) The person is vaguely aware that a quilt is made of fabric - and maybe used scissors in kindergarten - but thinks quilts are pretty. (And probably is planning to make two king size, three queen size, and five toddler/lap size quilts in six months - the quilts will make great Christmas gifts!)

2) The person has sewn garments by machine and has "basic sewing supplies" like scissors, pins, sewing machine, etc. - but no "quilting specific" supplies like a rotary cutter.

YouTube, library, and where have they been? :)

Rotary cutter
Cutting mat
6 x 24 ruler (the best you can afford)
12.5 x 12.5 ruler (the best you can afford)
High quality thread
Good resources for tutorials, patterns etc., lot of free stuff out there

I think these basics are a good starting point since they have a machine, pins, scissors etc.....

What they are going to need the most of is... money! :D

I was scenario #2 - I started with paper piecing. Paper piecing was a great introduction to quilting and allowed me to attempt a more complicated pattern with success. And yes, I was clueless with a rotary cutter too!

scenario #1 - needs to take a beginner's class and start with a small project. It is a great way to be introduced to this hobby.

First thing they need is a reality check. They have plenty of ambition and enthusiasm, which will propel and benefit them greatly, but I’d advise they start with the smallest toddler quilt made from the simplest paytern , and go from there.

After the reality check:
1. Large rotary mat
2. Rotary cutter
3. Safety glove
4. 6x24 ruler and an 8.5” sq ruler
5. Crib size batting
6. Medium grey machine quilting thread

I agree with the rulers, especially sizes by tallchick, rotary cutter and mat. I would also recommend Deb Tucker rulers, Tucker Trimmer I and II. She has great videos on YouTube. As time goes along, try rulers by Blocloc and Creative Grid. Watch for sales on good quality fabric like Moda, Andover, Henry Glass, Wilmington, etc. I like to buy at local quilt stores or online at Old CountryStore and Hancock’s of Paducah. Use good batting. I love Quilter’s Dream in Select cotton or their wool for special quilts. I think you should start with lap quilts. Almost all of the fabric companies have free patterns online. Sharon Schamber has a great YouTube video on quilt basting the quilt top, batting, and backing together. The Quilting Board is a great resource for information and help too. Good luck!! Fun, satisfying hobby!

#1 I think needs to take a beginner's quilting class at a shop that supplies most things like an iron, ruler and cutting mat, and has machines for you to use. Its a great way for reality to set in! That way the only major expense is class fee, thread, pattern, and fabric. Might want a rotary cutter, scissors, and pins. A great investment to discover your actual desire.

#2 has been covered by other responders.

Good suggestions here. I’ll add mine: A good quality seam ripper (e.g. Clover).

If #2 has the same aspirations as #1 to make 10 quilts in 6 months, then I think they both need a reality check. If both #1 and #2 want to learn how to quilt, look carefully at the advice that's already been offered and start watching some of the great instructional videos on YouTube.
Like a lot of things that a person does ....................it's all about the journey..............not the destination.