I think the original quilting "gadget" was the Olfa 45mm rotary cutter--I bought mine for $12.00 in the mid 1980's and still use it. I couldn't live without my rotary cutters. I also love my Clover desk needlethreader. I can't forget the 1/4" foot--that has been BIG!

Judy in Torrance

OK, now I myself went back to the original again, and it says gadgets, so that is probably beyond the basics. Although no one said I was out of line, I think I was. Quilting is such a diverse art, that there are no limits as to what you can use to accomplish the beauties we are all capable of creating.

I confess I didn't read all the others BEFORE I replied. However my BEST gadget isn't listed. My internet connected computer lets me find out "how to" so many times when I am stuck. This doesn't happen so much now, but when I first started I wore a path from the sewing machine to the computer. (google is my friend!)

I have to agree on the 6" by 24" ruler. My other "go to" ruler is a 9 1/2 square.

A good sewing machine that you are COMFORTABLE using.

Everyone has some really good suggestions, but I think the original question was what you would really need to start with. I am way past beginner and I don't have some of the things mentioned, although they are all probably good things that I should have. If I were to give someone a shopping list of things they would have to have to start - the basics... presuming the sewing machine is already available... you need a good rotary cutter, probably 45mm is a good starter size, a good cutting mat - 24" by 36" is a good one, a 6" by 24" clear ruler is my favortie size, a seam ripper, a 120" tape measure, some good pins and a pincushion, a thread catcher, and a lanyard to wear your clipping scissors that have a dull point so you always have them when you need them. An ironing board with a relatively hard surface and a good iron, a spray bottle for misting out those tough wrinkles. The list is endless, but I think you could get started with these basics.

The items I use all the time are the June Tailor Shape Cut Plus. Omnigrid Rulers 6" x 14" and 8 1/2" x 24". Creative Grids 4 1/2" square ruler. The Bendable Bright Light. 2 Magnetic pincushions. Clover needle threader. Blunt tip fiskars spring loaded scissors for clipping blocks or units apart on the ironing board. My favorite stiletto, an African Porcupine quill. Clover seam ripper. 120" retractable tape measure. Glass head silk pins. 45mm and 28mm Olfa rotary cutters. Schmetz Microtex Sharp Needles 80/12 for piecing. Micron Pens. Magic Sizing.

Get a 6-1/2" square and a 6"x24" ruler, for sure. I use these all the time.
Oh, and a good seam ripper! Get two! It's amazing how much better a new one works.
And a good supply of extra blades for your rotary cutter -- you can find them at good prices on ebay -- so you won't hesitate to change out a dull or nicked one.
I use a stiletto all the time, to help push lumpy seams under the presser foot, or to nudge the edge of a piece into place as I sew.
A pair of thread snippers -- much easier to use than scissors for thread snipping.
A magnetic "pincushion" makes it easy to keep your pins where you want them.
Extra-fine pins -- like Clover #2507 Patchwork Pins -- make pinning easier & more accurate -- really!
A pair of tweezers comes in handy.
So does a calculator. If you have one that does square roots, you can figure setting triangles and on-point sets.
If you can find Sta-Flo liquid starch, mix it half-and-half with water for ultra-good (and inexpensive) starching.
The semi-clear Rubbermaid storage boxes are great for fabric -- sort by color! Get a lot of them!

Have fun!

I've got nothing to add to that list ;o)

What a fun question! I think every quilter would do well to have on hand blue painter's tape, freezer paper, spray starch, Elmer's school glue with glue tips, a well-made ironing surface, a good heating iron (I like both a small Rowenta travel iron and a big steam iron), a good cutting mat with both a small and a larger rotary blade cutters, a small pair of good sharp scissors, a selection of titanium and embroidery machine needles, a selection of good rulers, and a set of french curves, pencils, chalk, and other markers, a spray bottle for water, and Crayola washable markers, and a compass. Also, Alex's 4-in-1 is really handy. One also needs some form of design wall, if at all possible and LOTS of storage for the stash, because it seems to propagate itself at night when we are asleep.