I love having a big mat, my rotary cutter, June Taylor's Shape Cutter, and the 2 rulers I use most is 6 x 24 and 6 x 12 (for squaring my fabric). Of course, the trusty seam ripper and a small pair of scissors for snipping threads. (I use my sewing scissors much less than I used to because rotary cutters are so much easier, but they are useful at times as well.) I also like to have a small "cut and press" because I don't always like to have my ironing board up. This gives me a 12 by 18 inch surface to cut on and flip for pressing....it isn't necessary but I do use it as I build my squares. Welcome to the world of quilting. It is a very contagious hobby that I have only just begun a couple years ago myself.

Welcome to the Board and happy quilting! You'll find it addictive if you haven't already....

Rotary cutter and extra blades, fabric, cutting mat - 18" x 24", 6" x 24" ruler, fabric, good scissors - large for cutting fabric, small for snipping threads, fabric, expansion table for machine if not in cabinet 18" x 24", good tape measure, extra bobbins, fabric, extra sewing machine needles - assorted sizes, good lighting, serge protector, fabric, good chair. Did I mention fabric?

I remember experiencing much frustration when I learned to quilt because I didn't have the right tools. In addition to the cutting and measuring tools suggested, add a quarter inch foot (with guide) and a walking foot for your machine. The quarter inch foot is indispensable and will help you to keep perfect quarter inch seams; the walking foot is a must for quilting unless your machine has it built in.

Welcome to the board, there are so many things that make quilting fun and easier. Just pick what you would use
to work with. the rotary cutter and mat , 2 things that I think are my most used. of course the sewing machine
since I don't hand sew. Good luck happy quilting.

I agree completely.

The best thing you need is patience. Don't be too hard on yourself. We are all here to help and advise. Good luck on your journey.

I also welcome you.

After loading up with all sorts of 'I think I have to haves' - and ' This is on sale/closeout, so I think I'll get it' -

I'm thinking a shorter list of items is a better thing.

A sewing machine that is working well - and you learn/know how to use it.

Almost all piecing can be done with a good straight-stitch machine. Check the vintage machine section and read how many people are very happy with older machines that are basically just straight stitch machines.

More can be fun - but sometimes 'more' is just clutter!

Welcome! Everyone here has given great advice and specifics on tools. I would have to agree with the largest self-healing mat according to your budget, a quality rotary cutter (I prefer Gingher but also use Olfa), the 6x24 ruler, a 12x12 square ruler for help with squaring up fabric before cutting, a pair of inexpensive scissors you wil only use for cutting/trimming batting and yes a good seam ripper. I would also like to add two items which I don't believe has been mentioned...first, a long-handled tweezer. I use the tweezer when shaping the mitered corners on my binding, as a stiletto (careful not to get too close to the presser foot and needle), and for repositioning/realigning fabric as I'm machine sewing. Second, is the Fons & Porter binding tool. I struggled for a while trying to perfectly measure the correct length when joining my binding ends when I discovered there was a tool to do that. It's something I couldn't do without! Warm wishes on one of the most rewarding craft journeys you will ever take!

I'm sure you will lots of responses on tools, which are all good ideas. But one of my favorite quilting things is a 'single hole needle plate' for your machine. It keeps those pointy corners and little edges from getting sucked down into the machine. And you know, when you are piecing small pieces, none of it can afford to be sucked into the feed dogs. It will probably only cost you about $30 or so, but I'd give up a whole lot of other tools before I gave up the single needle plate.