What you need to start patchwork
Rotary cutter, mat, a clear ruler, a 1/4 inch foot, pins and an iron.
- A rotary cutter: a round blade that cuts several layers at once, very accurately.
- A self-healing cutting mat.
- A clear quilting ruler with printed lines.
- A 1/4 inch presser foot for your machine, or a seam guide made from tape.
- Cotton fabric, such as quilting cotton or pre-cut squares.
- Pins, neutral thread and an iron.
Bobbin's tip
Rotary blades are very sharp. Close the guard every time you put the cutter down.
Rotary blades are very sharp. Close the guard every time you put the cutter down.
Watch
The 10 Essential Quilting Tools You NEED Right Now (9:57)
By Mary B · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 9-minute video from Mary B on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
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Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.