A quilt is three layers stitched together: a decorative top, a layer of batting, and a backing. Understanding that structure is the key to your first quilt.
The three layers
The top is pieced from fabric shapes, the batting in the middle gives warmth and loft, and the backing finishes the underside. Stitching through all three, the quilting, holds them together and adds texture.
Tools to start
A rotary cutter, a self-healing mat, and a clear acrylic ruler let you cut accurate strips and shapes quickly. Add a quarter-inch presser foot, since that seam allowance is the quilting standard.
Your first quilt
Begin with a simple patchwork of squares. Cut uniform squares, sew them into rows, join the rows, then layer, quilt, and bind. A small baby or lap quilt is a manageable first finish.
See the Quilt Backing Calculator and the Batting Thickness Chart.