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Build Your First Quilting Kit NZ

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A practical first quilting toolkit

Build your first quilting kit.

Start with a cutter, mat and ruler that suit your project. Then choose cotton thread and the right needle for your machine. This guide brings the tools together so you can buy what you need and keep using what you already own.

Choose your cutting setupChoose thread & needles

Build your own kit from individual products. Fabric, pattern, batting, backing and a sewing machine are selected separately.

Step 1 · Make room to cut

Choose one cutting setup

Both options pair a genuine 45mm OLFA cutter with a self-healing mat and an inch-marked acrylic ruler. Start with your pattern and the space available on your table.

For precuts, smaller pieces & block work

OLFA RTY-2/G 45mm Straight Handle Rotary CutterOLFA RM-IC-C 45 x 30cm Metric and Imperial Rotary Cutting MatKearing KPR1206 Quilting Ruler – 12 x 6in

Compact cutting setup

A manageable starting point for smaller cutting tasks, quilt blocks and projects made from precut fabric.

Choose this for: compact block work. It is too small for cutting a folded width of quilting cotton in one pass.

Start a compact cutting cart

Opens a cart with one cutter, one compact mat and one 12 × 6-inch ruler. Review current prices and quantities before checkout. To keep an existing cart, shop the individual links above.

For yardage, long strips & a dedicated table

OLFA RTY-2/G 45mm Straight Handle Rotary CutterOLFA RM-MG-01 24 x 36in Double-Sided Self-Healing Cutting MatOlfa Quilting Ruler Imperial QR-6x24 - 6x24"

Larger cutting setup

More working room for strip cutting, borders and larger pieces when your pattern starts with fabric yardage.

Choose this for: longer cuts. Check that your table fully supports the approximately 61 × 91.4cm mat.

Start a larger cutting cart

Opens a cart with one cutter, one large mat and one 6 × 24-inch ruler. Review current prices and quantities before checkout. To keep an existing cart, shop the individual links above.

Match the pattern's units. Both featured rulers use inches. If your pattern is written in centimetres, choose a metric ruler from the wider range. Keep the entire cutting stroke on the mat, fingers behind the ruler edge and the cutter cover closed between cuts.

Step 2 · Set up for cotton piecing

Add thread and a suitable needle

Choose the thread colour for your fabric. Check the needle system in your machine manual before choosing the 80/12 option below.

Aurifil 50wt cotton thread; select a solid shade

Aurifil 50wt cotton thread

One 1300m spool in your chosen solid colour. Fine 50wt cotton is useful for patchwork piecing and can also be used in the bobbin.

Compare a quiet neutral with your fabric rather than automatically choosing white. Keep the shade code for your next order.

Choose your thread colour
SCHMETZ Universal needle packaging; select the 80/12 size

SCHMETZ Universal 80/12

A five-pack in the 130/705 H household needle system. The shop option is labelled 12/80; it is the same size commonly written 80/12.

Aurifil lists 80/12 Universal needles among its choices for 50wt thread. Confirm machine fit and test on your actual fabric layers.

View the 80/12 five-pack

Needle guidance: Aurifil Cotton 50wt recommendations. Adjust needle type and size for the technique and fabric. This household needle system is not a universal fit for industrial, longarm or overlocker machines.

Step 3 · Check the rest of the project

Before you start your first quilt

Follow a beginner pattern

Your pattern determines the fabric amounts, block sizes, seam allowance, finished size, backing and batting. The cutting tools above are reusable supplies; they do not include a quilt design or the materials for a complete quilt.

Browse quilting fabricsAll quilting supplies

Use what you already own

Check for pins or clips, fabric scissors, a seam ripper, an iron and a suitable pressing surface. A quarter-inch foot can help with piecing, but its fit must be checked against your exact machine model.

Quilting pinsSewing clipsCheck a foot or needle fit

First quilting kit questions

Is this a boxed kit or a complete quilt project?

This is a build-your-own toolkit guide. The cutting-cart buttons load the three named cutting products as separate items. Thread and needles are chosen separately. Fabric, a pattern, batting, backing, binding and a sewing machine are not included in those cutting selections.

Which cutting setup should a beginner choose?

Choose the compact setup when your pattern uses precuts or smaller pieces that fit within its working area. Choose the larger mat and longer ruler for yardage and longer strip cuts. Buying the smaller setup only makes sense if its dimensions support the cuts your pattern needs.

Do I need a spare rotary blade immediately?

The RTY-2/G cutter includes an RB45 blade, so you can start with the supplied blade. Replace it when worn or damaged. OLFA specifies RB45 and RB45H straight replacement blades for this model; do not assume a decorative blade fits just because its diameter is 45mm.

Can I iron on the cutting mat?

No. Use an ironing board or suitable pressing surface. Keep cutting mats away from irons, hot tools and direct sunlight, and store them flat. Heat can permanently warp a mat.

Will these needles and a quarter-inch foot fit my machine?

The featured needles use the 130/705 H system. Check your manual for the required system and size. A quarter-inch foot is not included because its attachment, shank and clearance requirements vary by machine. Send us your exact brand and model for help choosing compatible accessories.

Can I change the contents or buy one item?

Yes. Every item has its own product link. Use those links if you already own some tools, want another thread shade or need a different ruler. The cutting-cart buttons start a cart with one of each named cutting item; review the cart before checkout. Prices and availability are shown by the store at the time you shop.

Shop the starter-kit tools individually

Choose the pieces you need from the seven products below. The two mats and two rulers are alternatives; you do not need to buy both setups.

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