The Ultimate Guide to Beginner Quilting
Are you ready to dive into the world of quilting but not sure where to start? Look no further! In this blog post, we will explore the essential beginner quilting supplies you need to kickstart your quilting journey.
1. Fabric
The most important supply for quilting is, of course, fabric. Choose a variety of colors and patterns to create a visually appealing quilt. Cotton fabric is what quilters use. Be sure you purchase from a reputable source. You don't want to put all your effort into fabric that will not hold up to long term use.
2. Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat
A rotary cutter and cutting mat are essential for accurately cutting fabric pieces for your quilt. Invest in a good quality rotary cutter with a sharp blade to make the cutting process smooth and precise. Purchase a mat large enough to make your cutting easy, at least a 24" x 36", if you have a flat area to set it up. My favorite rotary cutting tools and mats are Olfa products.
3. Quilting Ruler
A quilting ruler is a must-have tool for measuring and cutting fabric strips and blocks. Look for a clear, non-slip ruler with measurements in inches for accuracy. Quilting rulers come in multiple shapes and models - to get started purchase at least a 6" x 24" and if your pocket book allows a large square ruler - 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" is a really good starter. As you continue on your quilting journey you can add additional rulers as you progress. We carry a large assortment of Omnigrid, Creative Grid, Bloc-Loc rulers and more.
4. Sewing Machine
While hand quilting is an option, a sewing machine will make the quilting process much faster and more efficient. Choose a machine with basic quilting stitches and features to get started. Make sure you purchase a 1/4" foot and a walking foot for your particular machine. This will help with the actual piecing and final quilting.
5. Thread
High-quality thread is essential for quilting to ensure your stitches hold up over time. Choose 100% cotton thread in a neutral color that complements your fabric choices. A silver grey or taupe are great threads for piecing. My own personal choice is Aurifil 50 wt. as it is only a 2 ply thread, a little thinner than the normal 3 ply and very strong. You will love getting more thread on your bobbin for less refills. They will match with most fabrics. 
6. Needles and Pins
A variety of needles and pins will come in handy during the quilting process. Choose quilting needles for machine quilting and hand-sewing needles for finishing touches. My personal choice for piecing are Schmetz needles in Size 75/11 - good for all cottons. Patchwork pins by Clover are very thin and will hold your pieces for sewing without distorting. When hand sewing bindings to the back of the quilt, we all have personal choices. My choice are Straw Needles (Milliners) in Size 10 by John James, but you might like a shorter needle, it's a matter of experimenting until you find the one you like. 
7. Seam Ripper
Mistakes happen, especially for beginners. A seam ripper will be your best friend when you need to undo a seam and start over. Look for a sharp seam ripper with a comfortable grip. Seam rippers come in many shapes and sizes, find one that is comfortable to hold. Dritz and Clover both made resonably priced seam rippers. They do become dull after awhile, so gift yourself a new one now and then. 
8. Pattern
Lastly you will need a pattern. There are a multitude of books and patterns designed for beginner quilters. Choose one that is not too complicated for your first project. I like to suggest a table runner or topper as a nice starting project. It will not take as long and you will be able to go through the entire process before spending a large amount of money to make a full-size quilt.
With the exception of the sewing machine, you can find all these start-up items at our shop. With these essential beginner quilting supplies in hand, you are ready to start your quilting journey with confidence. Happy quilting!