Many tools are needed to make and complete a quilt. Some you may already own and some you may have to purchase.

A good rotary cutter is a skill to learn that lets you cut out your quilt pieces quickly. Visit a local quilt shop to try different brands to see which works best for you. A rotary mat protects your surfaces when you cut the fabric. A mat that is twenty four inches by thirty six inches is a good size to work with and has cutting grids printed on it. A transparent ruler will let you see the material for placement to cut. A good sewing machine is necessary unless you plan to hand sew. Most of your sewing will be straight stitching with a walking foot. Cotton is the preferred fabric for making quilts. Tightly woven cotton will lengthen the life of your quilt. A good iron that is fairly heavy and will steam your seams is next. A well padded ironing board will help your seams lay flat as you press them. A good pair of scissors that is used for cutting fabric only is a must. They will get dull quickly if used to cut paper also. Buying scissors with different colored handles will help you choose the right pair. Always use cotton thread to quilt with whether by hand or on the sewing machine. Use long straight pins to hold the pieces together. Very thin quilting needles are used to quilt by hand. Regular sewing needles can be used for your machine but change them often to keep them sharp.

A seam ripper is the last item. Find one with a very fine head as you will need it now and then.