If you are making a quilt be sure you have all the things that you need before you start. The first thing you will need is the pattern. Then decide what colors you want your quilt and what size you want it to be. The fabric for the face and back of the quilt is best if it is 100-percent cotton. It is easier to cut, mark, sew and press.

When choosing the batting for your quilt polyester batting, low to medium loft is best if it is being washed a lot. Cotton batting is good if you want a flat quilt. To make a warmer quilt wood batting is best.

When selecting thread it will depend on type of quilt materials. If you are using a machine for quilting 100-percent cotton thread (wax covered) or long-staple polyester thread is good. Cotton quilting thread should be used when hand quilting. When piecing by hand, neutral colored thread works best. White thread should be used when basting and for appliquéing the thread should match the fabric.

When choosing a needle the shorter the better. You should have two pair of scissors: one for fabric and one for paper or plastic. A rotary cutter, see-through ruler and self-healing mat are also good tools for cutting fabric. A hard-lead pencil or mechanical pencil is good for marking. You also need fine sharp straight pins, long quilter pins and a large box of size 2 safety pins. If you are hand quilting a quilting hoop or frame are good investments depending on the space you have to put them.