First of all you need fabrics, preferably 100% cotton for the top, back and binding. You need batting, cotton or polyester or a blend of the two. Sewing machine that makes a straight stitch and zigzag stitch, an iron with steam and dry settings, quilting needles and pins made especially for quilting. Quilting thread, which is stronger than general purpose thread, marking chalk or pencil, an eraser, a standard 12" quilter's ruler, tape measure, sharp, high quality fabric scissors (do not use on papers or plastics) a thimble in metal, plastic or leather that fits comfortably, and a seam ripper. You'll need a large work surface like a kitchen or dining room table and good lighting. Other things that make quilting much easier are a cutting mat and a rotaty cutter. The mat should be at least 18" x 24", a thick transparent acrylic rotary cutter ruler. Freezer paper and stencil/template materials are used for making template patterns. Sales people in fabric and quilt stores are usually very helpful to get you started. A beginners book is helpful too. I suggest that you start small with a pillow, small wall hanging, baby or doll quilt. Trying to make a full size quilt can be frustrating and overwhelming for a beginner. Quilting is an art that is challenging, fun, creative, and relaxing.

You can acquire already washed cotton fabrics by buying men's shirts at thrift stores. (or other clothes at thrift stores). I bought about two dozen, in the course of several months when the Salvation Army store had big sales, and marked the shirts to a dollar. IF you buy new fabric you will want to wash it forst, so i like buying used shirts, as i don't have to wash them.

I'd say you don't need much to start quilting. Personally, I make queen sized quilts, and I own the following items: fabric, quilting thread, a rotary cutter and mat, a large clear ruler, a square ruler, an iron and an ironing board, some pins and a pair of small scissors, and my sewing maching. As you go on, you may find things that are helpful to have, but this is a good beginning list I think.

The cheapest route if you only want to quilt and not peice one first is to buy a "cheaters quilt top" they are bought by the yard at most fabric shops and when you are done they are beautiful. If you want to peice one and money is tight or you just don't want a fortune in it, you can find lots of clothing in a traders mall or at fleamarkets that you can use and there are lots of pretty fabrics in some of the old clothes you might have around you no lonfer wear.

My first quilt was made with donated fabrics, some needles and some thread. That's all you really need. You can make a quilt out of any fabric, cut up clothes you already have, or buy fabric at thrift stores or yard sales. The pieces can be stitched together either by hand, or machine. I have purchased fleece blankets to be used as filling in place of batting. For complete instructions, consult about.com and search for "quilting".

Get a wooden ring and some batting and thread. Use old material from any source and get to it.

Thrift store are wonderful places! I echo everything MollyP said. Garage sales are a good source for sewing supplies. So is Freecyclers and Craig's List. I really recommend that if you are a novice, you check out some books at the library. Especially the kids section! Seriously! The info and the tools are spelled out really simply- good choice for getting your feet wet. Have fun!