A beginner can choose checked cotton fabric because there is already a guideline to help you gather the fabric evenly. I assume that you don't have a pleater. It would be difficult to work with a knit or velvet fabric for your first project. If the instructions for pleating are correct, you can also use a plain fabric. For the final piece, you will need at least 3 times as much cloth. The amount of cloth required will decrease if you use very loose stitches.