Tools

Quilters Tools

The following is a basic list of tools for quilting. There are many more wonderful tools and gadgets out there but these will get you started.

Scissors You will need two pair. One good sharp pair for cutting fabric and one pair for cutting other things such as paper or template plastic.

Needles For quilting by hand usually Betweens are used in sizes #9, #10, or #12. I recommend that you use what feels comfortable for you. Remember though that usually the smaller the needle the smaller stitch you will be able to do.

Ruler Always a handy tool to have around. A ruler is invaluable for drafting a quilt block or measuring a finished block. Not to mention for drawing that straight line.

Pins This is one area that seems to have allot of opinions. Every quilter seems to have their favorites. I will course give you mine here. First of all the glass head types. They are easy to keep track of and use. I do not care for the larger ones sometimes called "Quilters Pins" as the heads are large enough to distort the fabric that's pinned together. For hand applique I use either silk pins or the ones called flower heads. They both lay nice and flat when pinning pieces in place, and keep your work smooth.

Thread This is what you will be depending on to hold all your hard work together, so by all means buy a good quality thread. There are many good quality threads on the market. You local quilt shop would be more than happy to show you some of them. As for basting any thread will do as this is only temporary stitching.

Graph Paper This of course in not a necessity in quiltmaking but is something I recommend to every quilter. Its great for drafting out a block maybe in a different size than the pattern gives, but I think its best use is for being creative. I spend many nights with a piece of graph paper just playing with different design ideas while watching my favorite TV show.

Pencils For marking fabric pieces. The finer the better. I like to use the mechanical ones as they make a very soft line. A silver pencil (available at most quilt shops) is great for marking dark fabrics.

Rotary Cutter and Mat Used for cutting strips, squares, triangles, ect.. Great time saving device in which many patterns are designed around the use of. If you have never used one please by all means have either a quilting friend or someone from the local quilt shop demonstrate the use of these tools. Incorrect use can result in a very nasty cut.

Rotary Cutter Rulers These come in a variety of sizes and types. Never use your rotary cutter with any ruler except the ones specially made for the cutter. I would suggest two rulers in your initial purchase. One that is around 8" wide that includes the 45 degree angle on it. This will be used for cutting strips and also for cutting mitered corners. The second a large square ruler for squaring up blocks in a quilt.

Walking Foot If you plan to machine quilt your creation I would suggest the use of a walking foot attachment for your sewing machine. These are great for keeping the layers of your quilt from bunching.

The following is a basic list of tools for quilting. There are many more wonderful tools and gadgets out there but these will get you started.
Scissors	You will need two pair. One good sharp pair for cutting fabric and one pair for cutting other things such as paper or template plastic.
Needles	For quilting by hand usually Betweens are used in sizes #9, #10, or #12. I recommend that you use what feels comfortable for you. Remember though that usually the smaller the needle the smaller stitch you will be able to do.
Ruler	Always a handy tool to have around. A ruler is invaluable for drafting a quilt block or measuring a finished block. Not to mention for drawing that straight line.
Pins	This is one area that seems to have allot of opinions. Every quilter seems to have their favorites. I will course give you mine here. First of all the glass head types. They are easy to keep track of and use. I do not care for the larger ones sometimes called "Quilters Pins" as the heads are large enough to distort the fabric that's pinned together. For hand applique I use either silk pins or the ones called flower heads. They both lay nice and flat when pinning pieces in place, and keep your work smooth.
Thread	This is what you will be depending on to hold all your hard work together, so by all means buy a good quality thread. There are many good quality threads on the market. You local quilt shop would be more than happy to show you some of them. As for basting any thread will do as this is only temporary stitching.
Graph Paper	This of course in not a necessity in quiltmaking but is something I recommend to every quilter. Its great for drafting out a block maybe in a different size than the pattern gives, but I think its best use is for being creative. I spend many nights with a piece of graph paper just playing with different design ideas while watching my favorite TV show.
Pencils	For marking fabric pieces. The finer the better. I like to use the mechanical ones as they make a very soft line. A silver pencil (available at most quilt shops) is great for marking dark fabrics.
Rotary Cutter and Mat	Used for cutting strips, squares, triangles, ect.. Great time saving device in which many patterns are designed around the use of. If you have never used one please by all means have either a quilting friend or someone from the local quilt shop demonstrate the use of these tools. Incorrect use can result in a very nasty cut.
Rotary Cutter Rulers	These come in a variety of sizes and types. Never use your rotary cutter with any ruler except the ones specially made for the cutter. I would suggest two rulers in your initial purchase. One that is around 8" wide that includes the 45 degree angle on it. This will be used for cutting strips and also for cutting mitered corners. The second a large square ruler for squaring up blocks in a quilt.
Walking Foot	If you plan to machine quilt your creation I would suggest the use of a walking foot attachment for your sewing machine. These are great for keeping the layers of your quilt from bunching.