@Celia to piece you need enough space to cut out each component of your block plus your machine.
I have an ordinary size desk with the machine on one end. This leaves me about 1ft x 1ft space for my cutting mat. I cut out the pieces for each block individually and sew a block at a time.
That is obviously the smallest space I can and do use. Anything bigger is a bonus
You need, rotary cutter,ruler,cutting mat and possibly a pin or peg or two.
Hope that helps