Are you just starting out and overwhelmed by the amount of “stuff” you need to get started? Never fear – I haver your back! Just a few years I got my start, beginning with a hand-me-down – but working – sewing machine. I had to buy EVERYTHING — mat, rotary cutter, needles, thread, bobbins, batting, patterns…and THEN fabric! To add insult to injury, I was off work at the time, had no partner to lean on for financial support, and I didn’t have any “quilty” friends to guide me towards quality purchases.
I tried to be resourceful as a generally frugal person, but in my frenzy to “have all the necessary things,” I made some pretty dumb purchases, and to be totally honest, I wasted a fair bit of money. Even with buying “cheap” quilting supplies, I ended up having to replace items quickly, only a few years into this hobby, because I tried to be too frugal!
So, please, learn from my mistakes. Without further ado, take a peek below at my bare-bones list of items to get started in quilting.
1. Sewing Machine
If you’re just getting started, I recommend borrowing a machine or using a working hand-me-down machine, trying a family-member or friend’s machine, or trying a machine out in-store.
An intro sewing course will also allow you to try out multiple beginner-level sewing machines.
Note: your machine will have needles and bobbins specific to the model, so they’re not included separately in this list. 🙂
Polyester thread is more durable and usually is cheaper, whereas cotton thread is often more expensive but heat-safe (think Bowl Cozies).
Make sure to try a specific type and weight of thread on your machine before buying multiple spools. Sometimes, it takes some trial and error to find the right thread that your sewing machine “likes” and doesn’t create excessive amounts of lint or shredding.
For Thread Weight…SIZE MATTERS! The smaller the number, the thicker the thread. A good all-purpose thread weight for both piecing and quilting is 40-50 wt. Some people like to piece with thread as small as 80-90 wt.
Make sure to compare the feet/yards of thread in a spool or cone of thread, to ensure getting the best deal.
Caution with second-hand thread! Old thread can easily break — but you can do the “tug” test (take a piece of thread and try to break it with your hands by pulling gently) and the “snap” test (tie a piece of thread in a knot and gently pull at both ends). If the thread breaks easily with either test, it’s too old!
Trusted Brands: Aurifil, Coats & Clark Glide, Gutermann, Mettler, Superior, YLI
6. Seam ripper
Ah…the dreaded seam ripper! While no one wants to admit it, this is a must-have item for all sewing and quilting.
Get the cheapest one you find – it should cost <$4.
Frugal Recommendations: use one of my many affordable fabric hunting tips, especially if you are just starting out!
Quilting Steals Tips:
Fabric selection is definitely one of the most fun parts of creating, sewing, and quilting! If you’re just starting out, I recommend to use cheap fabric while you’re learning. You don’t want to use your prized fabric and potentially “ruin” it while you’re practicing and learning how to quilt!
A few words of caution:
While it might be enticing to buy generic or off-brand items instead of what I’ve found in my list above, these are the items you MUST HAVE to machine quilt! Therefore, I highly recommend you get the best quality items (that you can afford) from trusted brands. You will use this handful of items EVERY SINGLE DAY you quilt.
Prices change CONSTANTLY. I’ve listed the price-point of each recommended item. Prices current as of June 2025.
Price is a large component of my algorithm for item recommendations. Other factors include: brand, brand reputation, personal experience with the brand/product, quality of materials used, and availability of item.
Do YOU have a deal you’d love to see? We’re all ears! Reach out and let us know what steals you’re searching for.
