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This is the first in a series of articles on the basics of quilting. The text and illustrations are excerpted from my various books: Speed-Cut Quilts, Stars Galore and Even More, and Quilter’s Guide To Rotary Cutting first and second editions. In the selection process, it was not possible to separate subjects, so, as you go through the chapters you will find the same subject covered more than once, and that's OK.                       . .
There are three key elements that will make the quilting experience much more enjoyable:
1-Careful cutting
2-Attention to seam allowances.
3-”Easy-does-it” pressing techniques.

This first article is devoted to fabric cutting.

But first a review of the basic construction process of quiltmaking.
Step1-Preparation
           Choose the design, size and colors for your quilt. Purchase the fabric,
           batting, and
           gather all the supplies and equipment needed. Do all of this at the beginning
           of the project.

Step 2-Cutting
           Preshrink the fabric if desired. Prepare all of the cutting templates and cut all
           of the pieces for the quilt top.

Step 3-Sewing
           If you are doing a new design it is a good idea to piece at least one block
           using scraps to make sure you know the sewing plan. Piece the quilt top and
           add the borders.

Step 4-Finishing
           Mark quilting lines, if needed, baste and quilt the layers together. Finish the
           outside edges.

Step 5-Enjoy your quilting.

                                   MY RECOMMENDED STARTER SET

-Medium size rotary cutter with a 1 3/4” blade.
-18’ by 24” cutting mat.
-Spare blade.
-Quilters ruler for squaring corners and cutting strips, bias tape.
-45 ,90 and 135 degree angles and triangles.
-Ruler for mitering borders. My favorite is an 8” by 24” ruler which is cut at
    one end at a 45 degreee. It serves a wide range of purposes.
-A 12 1/2” by 12 1/2” cutting square for squaring corners and blocks and cutting
    squares from 1/2” to 12 1/2.”
-60 degree diamond for cutting 30, 60 and 120 degree triangles and angles.
    1/4” quilters tape which has a low residue. Best for taping templates.

This equipment will provide for a very basic rotary cutting system. Additional equipment can be added as necessary.

There are dozens of special purpose templates on the market. Most cutting pieces can be cut with this basic set of templates by using my system of taping. For example: A hexagon can be cut using a 60 degree diamond or triangle.

All of these supplies are available in quilt shops, catalogs or from websites.