When quilting, you need to choose the right material. Cheap fabric doesn't work very well, as most of the time colors that are picked aren't colorfast. If at all possible, use one hundred percent cotton. This material is used for the top and bottom of the quilt. Cotton fabric is easy to sew, cut, and press, where as other material, like polyester, has a tendency to pucker and are harder to sew. Use either bright colors or pastels, not both together. The scale of the print is either large, medium or small. Do not mix, as it will not look right.

Another way to obtain fabric is to have family or friends give you their old clothing they won't wear any longer. If you have saved pieces of material from a sewing project, that can be used also. Going to flea markets and garage sales can bring you bargains, even if stained in a few places, as those parts can be cut out. Some of these materials can be flannel, ties, calico, and broadcloth. If you go to the stores, pick out remnants, or sale fabric. To start quilting, some stores have packages of already cut pieces that you can buy.

Backing fabric should be similar in fabric content. Stores carry quilt backing in the wide cotton needed, as in 90 and 108 inches. Batting is necessary in the middle. All material needs to be washed in cold water, and line dried before starting a project.

Some other items needed are quilting thread, needles, very sharp scissors that will only be used on your fabric, a ruler, a cutting mat, and a template for cutting out your squares or triangles.