What Are The Basic Tools Needed For Quilting

Quilting might seem overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. With a few basic tools and a beginner pattern, you can get started right away quilting and having fun with your new quilting hobby. You will need a few basic supplies at the ready to get quilting.

Gather these supplies.*Sewing Machine *Rotary Cutter *Sharp Scissors *Self Healing Cutting Mat *Seam Ripper *Pins like Clover Glass Pins or Magic Pins *Fabric Clips *Pin Cushion *High Quality Thread that works best with your machine,*Easy Quilt Pattern, *Quality Fabric of your choice *Basic Quilting Ruler Clear Grid brand, *Iron *Ironing Board, *A Sturdy Table to sew on, and a *Comfortable Supportive Chair. (This is crucial to your comfort, health, and success to making quilting enjoyable.)

Woo Hoo! You’ve decided to start quilting. This is a fun and rewarding hobby. Just starting out go slow and simple and that will be enough. Purchase the basic tools mentioned above and give yourself time and space to start with easy pattern blocks. Having a few basic good sturdy quilting tools on hand will make all the difference in your success at quilting.

Sewing Machine

Years ago my husband and I purchased a basic Husquvarna “Husky” sewing machine. Bare bones and very basic machine. We bought it to give our oldest daughter for Christmas. Her penchant for sewing wasn’t quite like mine so it didn’t get a whole lot of use. I still use that machine as my main sewing machine. It is very basic but it surprisingly still works fine for sewing quilt blocks. My point is if you already have a sewing machine start sewing your blocks with the machine you have. It just needs to sew well and be in good working order. You need to know how to use a sewing machine if sewing is new to you. If you are going to buy one, it doesn’t have to be top of the line. Ask the store owner for advice on which machine to buy. Check with some of the people you know who love to sew. What is their preference on sewing machines. It”s very important to shop within your budget. Your machine doesn’t need a bunch of fancy sewing stitches. As long as your machine can sew a straight stitch, you’re in business!

Rotary Cutter

Scissors are great for cutting fabric but a rotary cutter is AMAZING! I recently went to get a replacement blade for my rotary cutter and the difference in cutting my fabric was unreal. A sharp rotary cutter will help you cut more accurately and more quickly. A word of caution even though you are all grown up a new blade is super sharp. Be really careful not to cut yourself when you use it.

Sharp Scissors

You will probably want a couple of pairs of scissors to have on hand. I keep a small pair and a large pair of scissors by my sewing machine. They travel with me to where I cut out fabric and back to the sewing machine again. Small scissors are great for cutting threads which I do each time I finish sewing a block or parts of a block. It just helps you stay on top of loose hanging threads and saves you time later. Put a small trash can near you as you sew. Just throw your threads in each time you need to cut them off.

Self Healing Mat

This is pretty crucial to cutting out your fabric. When you set your fabric on a self healing mat, it helps you cut your fabric efficiently, accurately, and carefully. It helps protect your table or wherever you are cutting out your fabric on.

Seam Ripper

You may want to have two of these. One by your sewing machine and one in your sewing bag or kit if you put one together. I keep one close to me by my sewing machine. When you purchase one, make sure it is nice and sharp. It should have a cover that comes with it to keep you safe and to keep it sharp when you are not using it.

Clover and Magic Pins

I like sewing with long pins. The short stubby kind are hard to grab and hard to put into or take out of your fabric. There are a couple different types you might like to add to your quilting stash. Clover glass pins. They not only look pretty but are nice and long so they make pinning fabric convenient. Taylor Seville Magic Pins have several attractive features to them. I know you might not think that a pin could pack such a powerful punch but I speak from experience and using short pins. The Magic pins offer a really long pin, they are comfortable to grab from your pin cushion or fabric and they are heat resistant. If you iron over pins, they won’t melt easily. These pins come in a variety of colors.

Fabric Clips

Fabric clips are handy to sew with and make securing fabric really easy. They open wide for a layer of fabric. No chance of poking your fingers with these. Great for binding your quilts with.

Pin Cushion

Go figure! Who would think such a simple thing would be important to streamline your sewing. I like to use a pin cushion for my straight pins. Then they are ready to go and easy to grab or put away when you need them. Make a cute pin cushion or buy one. Keep it close to your sewing machine. Eventually you might want to have another pin cushion where you cut out your fabric for your quilting blocks.

Quality Thread That Works With Your Machine

Shop around and then experiment with a few varieties of brands of thread. Thread that works for one machine may not work on your machine. All cotton threads seem to work best for piecing quilts together. 40 weight is a good thread to use. Some like 50 weight. You may have to ask the shop keeper her advice on this because most likely the thread will not say on it good for sewing quilt blocks.

Easy To Sew Quilt Patterns

Look for a quilt pattern that is easy and suggested for beginners. There are a lot of really cute patterns available if you are just starting out. Like my Swiss Cross quilt. You can find it here and it tells you How Can I Make A Simple Scrap Quilt? I loved sewing these quilt blocks because they were so easy to cut out and they sewed up quickly into a quilt.

All Fabric Isn’t Equal

I like to get a good deal as much as anyone else especially when it comes to fabric. You will find good quality fabric at an independent fabric store. It is best to get 100% cotton fabric and purchase it at a quilting shop. You can tell right away the difference in fabric that you buy at quilting shop versus a big box store. Once your quilt is made and done and you are holding it admiring it, you will be so glad you listened to my advice!

Quilting Ruler

I love the clear acrylic rulers. I have a 6.5 square ruler I use a lot. Clear Grid Rulers have one that is great to start with. There are a variety of sizes but a 6.5 x 24.5 is a good size to start with. Once you get into your quilting hobby, you can start adding other acrylic rulers to your collection.

Iron And Ironing Board

This is probably something you already figured you would need to have in your bunch of quilting tools. This keeps your quilt blocks looking crisp, finished, and easier to match up your seams sewing the next block. Get in the habit of ironing each seam or (I’ll let you finish a quilt block first) right after you sew it. You will be happy with your progress. When I am in a hurry, I use a folded towel on a countertop for an ironing board but in your sewing space or room, have an ironing board with your iron set up and ready to set, press, go.

Table For Sewing

You need a good sturdy table (you can use a kitchen table or counter if you have to until you can buy a table for sewing) for cutting your fabric for your quilt blocks out and for sewing them into finished blocks. This is also useful for the times that you are putting your quilt together and aren’t finished. You can leave your project on your table. Then when you are ready, just pick up where you left off.

Comfy Chair

A comfortable supportive chair will make all the difference when you are sewing. The last thing you want is to develop back pain or neck fatigue because of the chair you are using. Try a few chairs out that you have around your house. Find one that will support your neck and back the best. A chair you look forward to sitting in. Then happy quilt making!

Here Are A Few More Helpful Articles

Hand quilting can be relaxing and enjoyable. Is Hand Quilting Easy?

Once you finish your quilt, you will need to know how to bind it. What Is The Easiest Way To Bind A Quilt?