I remember when I was starting to quilt, I had bought a sewing machine from a well known hobby shop, some fat quarters and thread... that's it... I didn't know that I needed a cutting mat, a ruler or a rotary cutter. I cut my first quilt out with scissors, hoping that the squares would match up - well they didn't!!! I had no sewing buddies, nobody to guide me, so I had to figure it out for myself.

This sounds a sad story - it’s not, lol. However, it would have been better if I did know somebody that quilted that could of given me a nudge in the right direction.

(Oh, and the machine in the pic above was not my starter sewing machine. This is the one I have now.)

I really didn’t know, what I didn’t know. And I use that phrase quite a lot.

Now let’s roll on 10 years, and my sister starts sewing and quilting - and I absolutely love it. We spent hours chatting about what she needed to get started, what type of sewing machine, what she wanted to sew and learn. It totally opened my eyes to how much I had learnt over the last few years, through trial and error, learning from others and asking questions.

So, here is my short guide on what I think you might need to get started in this wonderful world of quilting.

• Sewing machine - Your local fabric shop will have machines for you to test out, or go to your nearest quilt show, there are lots on display to test.

• Cutting mat - I like to use one that is self healing and 18” x 24”

• Rotary cutter - My favourite is the ergonomic rotary cutter by Olaf.

• Ruler - Try a 6.5” x 24 “, or 4.5 “ x 18” ruler.

• Fabric scissors - Available from fabric shops.

• Sewing Clips - Perfect replacement for pins.

• Basting pins or fabric glue - This is for basting your quilt together.

• Seam ripper - You will normally get this in your sewing machine kit.

• Quilters Gloves - A real must when quilting, takes the pressure off your hands. Try to invest in a decent pair. I love the Swan Amity gloves.

I hope that you found this little guide helpful, and if you are looking for a friendly group to join on Facebook, then you are always welcome in my group, Made on the Cut.