Quilting Tools Are Essential !
Make Sure You
Have These In Stock !
Hi Everyone,
Are you looking for the right tool that will help you stop pulling the hair out of your head (and I’m not talking about gray hair either!), and stop muttering multiple obscenities like the dad in A Christmas Story
(remember the furnace scene!)
You might find what your looking for here!
Getting Started
What tools do you need for all your quilting projects? If you’ve read our Basics page,you’ll see that it lists only the fundamentals for our beginners. On this page however, you’ll see a more complete list designed for all kinds of projects you might have in mind. Most of these items you’ll find in the craft section of a department store, or in a quilt shop.
For The Quilt Itself
*Batting:
Use cotton, polyester or a blend of both is the most
is the easiest to work with.
*Fabric:
Use 100% cotton for the top (front) of the quilt, the back and the bindings.
*Freezer Paper:
You can buy it in any grocery store. It is heavy, white and can be used for templates. The plastic coating on one side will stick long enough to the fabric when used with a dry iron (a great tip).
The Sewing Machine:
A machine in good working order means, lint free, oiled, and some new needles.
Be sure that it has an even straight stitch and has an adjustable zigzag. It should be oiled regularly and free from lint. There is no special machine needed but a walking foot or even-feed foot will help move all your fabric consistently.
Writing Utensils:
*Chalk Pencils:
Use it to mark material, or to transfer your pattern to the fabric. Use light or dark colors as it rubs off more easily.
*Fine Point Permanent Markers:
Use it on your templates and stencils. Great for your fabulous signature and to date
your artwork. (Note: check for bleeding on a scrap piece first!)
Collins fabric eraser
*Fabric Erasers:
These are special erasers that are soft yet will remove pencil marks from the fabric.
White art erasers will also do the trick.
*Quilt Marking Pencils.
This is especially made for marking all your fabrics. A good color to use is silver which will show up for both dark and lighter fabrics, and will wash out easily.
Look in your local quilt shop for all of these and other marking supplies. Read the instructions and test it on a scrap piece of your fabric first!
Other Necessities:
*Embroidery Floss/Needles:
These are blunt tapestry needles that are designed to pull floss between the threads.
Colonial Milliner Needles
*Needles:
For hand-sewing, the needles you would want to use are Betweens and Sharps. Betweens are strong short, flexible needles that have a small round eye that makes it ideal for many common quilting needs,such as for sewing through several layered fabric, applique, hand-quilting. Straw ,or MillinersNeedles are small, round eyes, very thin and longer needles most often used for basting and other hand-sewing projects.
Sewing machine needles should be sizes 10-14 or 70-90 universal (sharp-pointed).
My personal favorite is the BOHIN DOUBLE THREADER.
This desk top model has a side for large needles and small quilting needles. I have tried many brands of needles with varied eye shapes. This threader works!
*Paper-backed Fusible Web:
This is an iron -on adhesive with paper backing that you use with cut-uts to secure it to another fabric when appliqueing. If you are sewing the cutouts, use a light-weight web as it will not stick to your sewing machine. If your using an iron, it is best to use a heavier-weight web.
Quilting Hoops or Frames:
They are made to hold your three layers of a quilt together snugly. The most versatile is a 14″-16″ hoop. There are many sizes available to pick from so find one that works best for your quilting needs.
Quilting Needles:
Buy short strong needles that have small eyes.
Quilting Pins:
Buy straight pins mad especially for quilting. These are extra long and made with round heads. You’ll find your preferences as there are several styles and sizes available.
If you are doing machine quilting, you’ll need a large supply of 1″ long (size 01) rustproof safety pins
for pin basting.
*Template & Stencil Materials:
These are sheets of translucent plastic . Most often it has been premarked with a grid on it. Some will be safe to use with an iron, and others won’t .
Be sure to check!
*Thimbles:
Thimbles are made of many different materials, like metal, plastic or leather. I have thimbles everywhere, in places known and unknown. My favorite is a soft thimble from Dill Buttons Of America. This thimble comes in three sizes and many colors. The cost is under $4.00. The thimble lasts and lasts, I haven’t had one needle poke through.
This is one of those items that you’ll have to experiment with to find which texture and feel is right for you. Price ranges vary from inexpensive to the more expensive products.
*Thread:
All purpose thread is fine for piercing, basting, and appliques. Buy high quality cotton
or a cotton-covered polyester threads in light or dark neutral colors. For more info. please read our page on threads..
*Thread Conditioner:
THREAD HEAVEN is a thread conditioner that is better than wax in feel and ease of application. Running your thread through this product helps prevent tangling, and fraying. It doesn’t melt, it is hypo allergenic and acid free.
I use this product when I am hand piecing, putting on binding and adding embellishments.
Cutting Materials:
*A Cutting Mat:
This is a special Mat made for use with a rotary cutter. It is usually an 18″x 2″ is the most commonly used by quilters.
*Rotary Cutter:
This is a has a special retractable blade that is mounted on a handle, and very sharp!
A rotary cutter is essential for cutting material easily causing less fatigue.
Rotary Cutters
It should be used only on a cutting mat.
Several sizes are available, but I prefer the larger (45mm) one as it will cut through many layers at once.
*Rotary Cutter Ruler:
This is used with the rotary cutter. There are many rulers available, one for every type of project. There are rectangular, square, triangle and other special shapes available. We suggest for beginners to use a 6″x24″ rectangular ruler made of thick, clear plastic(acrylic), as that is the most durable for quilting.
*Scissors
Assorted quilting rulers
Always use scissors that are sharp and made of high quality. Use a different pair for any plastics and papers used – don’t mix your shears as they will dull easily. I use a very small pair just for thread ends.
Keep your scissors sharp – it will keep your fabric from fraying.If you tire easily or have a project that requires a lot of cutting, spring loaded scissors are available as well!
*The Seam Ripper
This is always a staple for removing stitching from any fabric. I like to use is the Collins Seam Ripper ! It is a special reverse stitcher is small and works well with small stitches.
I also use it to cut button holes and those big stupid shoulder pads).
Don’t forget to check our page on quilting articles and tips too!
Someone like you might have sent in a special tip or suggestion that might not be listed here on this page. And don’t forget to send us your special tools and tips. We will add it here or in our tips page.
We hope now that your shopping list is complete and your now on your way to making that special quilt
.
Well, thanks for stopping by to visit us.
See you soon!
Linda and AJ
Just Remember that Girls Just Want To Have Fun!