Basic Tools of the Trade. (Rotary Cutters, Self Healing Cutting Mats and Rulers)
One of the first skills I learned when I entered this world of patchwork and quilting was how to cut fabric with a rotary cutter. This is one of those skills that is essential in machine quilting if you want accurate blocks and neat points. It can also save you hours, as you can cut many layers at a time.
A Rotary Cutter is a hand held device with a very very sharp circular blade which is used in conjunction with a self healing cutting mat and ruler.
These blades are sharp - Care must always be taken when using one. Make sure you store it safely away from little ones. (And husbands who think it would be great for cutting cardboard!!!)
There are many brands on the market for each of these products and I am not going to tell you which you should use. I am still using the first rotary cutter I ever bought and just replace the blades. I am on my 4th self healing cutting mat though, but then I do make a lot of quilts. I would suggest that you get one with markings in inches not centimetres as most quilt patterns are in imperial.
Rulers come in various sizes and shapes. I used a 12 1/2 square for many years and recently bought a new ruler which is 6 inches by 24 inches which is great for cutting longer pieces of fabric. The rulers need to be in inches too.
You can also get rulers for cutting special angles, for example ones for Dresden pieces, Diamonds, Small squares etc. There are literally hundreds out there. I suggest you buy the best you can afford that is a size suitable for your work station.
Next of course you will need a sewing machine. It does not really have to be an expensive machine as most patchwork patterns involve sewing in straight lines in a straight stitch which all machines should be able to do.