Ask Penny Halgren

In addition to a sewing machine, I would get a rotary cutter, mat and a ruler or two.  The ones I like are a 6 or 6 1/2 inch wide by 24 inch long rotary cutting ruler, a 3 or 3 1/2 inch wide by 18 inch ruler, and a 12 inch square ruler.Cutting Fabric for Quilt Blocks

Cutting your fabric is much more efficient when you have the right tools. While sharp scissors are also necessary, you can save time and your wrists by having a good rotary cutter, mat and the right rulers.

These are the ones I use. I can't say that I have tried any mat other than Olfa, I have tried other rulers, and I like these. The markings stay on the ruler for many years, there are just enough markings, but not too many so that the ruler is confusing, and I like that the seam allowances are added onto the sides of the rulers and the square.

The square is especially one of my favorites. Because of its grid structure, you can cut and size square and it is very handy for squaring up blocks.

All of these are available at great prices at amazon.com

 

Quilt In A Day Rulers 6x24	Quilt In A Day Rulers 12.5 Square Up
Olfa Deluxe Rotary Cutter 45mm	Olfa Gridded Cutting Mat 24''x36''