Which quilting tools do you really need and which tools can wait until you’re more experienced? Visit a quilt shop or browse quilting stores online and you’ll quickly discover an endless number of quilting tools, so many that beginning quilters often aren’t sure where to start. Use this list and description of basic tools to help you decide which quilting tools are important and which tools can wait until you are more experienced and know a bit more about favorite methods and the best ways to accomplish them. One of the first tools you’ll need is a rotary cutter, and there are lots of variations to choose from. They are available in a wide variety of styles so try to visit a local quilt shop where you can test drive a few rotary cutters to see which one feels best in your hand. For home sewing, buy a 24" x 36" mat if possible, and if you have space remember that larger mats are a great choice. If you plan to take quilting classes, and can only buy one rotary mat to travel with, you can get by with a smaller version that’s more portable.
Rotary Ruler Choices
A 6" x 24" rotary ruler is essential.A square ruler makes it easy to cut shapes and check the accuracy of quilt blocks.Add a 12" or 12-1/2" square ruler if possible and add to your collection as you sew.
Many sewing machines have a special presser foot for 1/4" sewing. A sewing machine that accepts a walking foot—for straight machine quilting—is a big plus. Learn which sewing machines other quilters rate as “best.”
There are thousands of shops online for those who do not have local selections. If you have to buy an ironing board, consider one specially made for quilters, like the Big Board. Its rectangular shape eliminates the narrow leg on one end, making it easier to press fabrics and quilt tops. Buy scissors with different handle colors to help you keep them straight, or mark one with masking tape so you’ll know it’s meant to cut paper. You can add to your scissor collection when you discover which types are most important to accomplish specific quilting techniques. If you like, pick out a light and dark gray or tan spool too, just in case you need them. The same cotton thread used for piecing works well for machine quilting. If you plan to hand quilt, buy cotton quilting thread, but don’t use hand quilting thread in your sewing machine. One or two large pieces of white flannel work just fine, but so does thin quilt batting as blocks and other pieces stick nicely to both materials. Ready-made design walls are available if you’d rather go that route. Tip: Buy a package of glow in the dark pins since they are easy to spot if you drop them on the floor. You might also want to pick up betweens for hand quilting and regular sewing needles for your machine.
