Must Have Quilt Tools
for Piecing Patchwork: Part 1
You have the bug to quilt. You are ready to start. But, where do you begin! Here is a list of must have tools to get you started. There are a lot of gadgets available but those are bonuses or extras. My suggestion is start with the essential quilting tools. Later, you can always go bananas for the extras.
By the way, this blog post is only about the tools you need to make your quilt top. The quilt top is the pieced patchwork you sew together into a design or pattern. This list doesn’t include the tools you need to make the “quilt sandwich”, so to speak. The next post will have a list of the tools for the quilting of the quilt sandwich – what you need to attach together the back, the batting, and the pieced quilt design.
Let’s get right to the point so you can start quilting!
Cutting Tools. So the rotary cutter looks exactly like a pizza slicer. It works like one, too! Except you use it cut through fabric and when used with the ruler, you get the straightest cut ever. It is awesome! It saves so much time, too! Then you have the scissors, I recommend a large pair, called fabric shears. They are different then your everyday scissors and have a blade designed for fabric. Tell you family the scissors are only for your sewing! (I have found my scissors being used to open potato chip bags! Then I am told how wonderfully sharp they are. I am rolling my eyes. Ha!) You will also need a little pair of fabric scissors to trim threads. The small scissors are more controllable than the large ones for making delicate snips. Lastly, my friend and enemy, the seam ripper. It is a love hate relationship. I need it. I mean, I ALWAYS need it. I can count on it. But I hate it because using the seam ripper means I made a sewing mistake and now I have to gently pic out and remove the threads. Oh well. At least I can correct a mistake!
Rulers. You are going to need at least one acrylic ruler. Why? Well, because when you cut with the rotary cutter, you need the thick edge of the acrylic ruler to guide the slice. Also, the transparent ruler allows you to see your fabric and if you are lined up correctly. Lastly, a long ruler allows you cut long strips of fabric. If the ruler is short, you need to keep repositioning the ruler and this can lead to very uneven cutting.
My absolute favorite ruler is 18″ long x 3″wide. I would love for it to be 2 inches longer and 1 inch wider but it gets the job done. Out of all my rulers, I always reach for this one.
Cutting Mats: First, I need to point out that I have too many cutting mats. You really only need one. The ones I use the most are the black one and the large green one, they are in inches. I noticed when photographing them that they are starting to look abused. I need to consider getting new ones, afterall, it has been over 6 years since I got them. oops.
You must have a cutting mat for the rotary cutter. The blade will destroy your work table if you don’t use the cutting mat. Also, the blades on your cutter will become destroyed without the mat. Then the damaged blades will destroy your fabric. So, just get the mat 😉
The added bonus of the cutting mat is that there is a grid for measurement. This combined with the ruler, allows you to line everything up just right. You’ll be able to precisely cut your fabric.
I use the black and green mat the most.
Black – 23″ x 17″
Green – 36″ x 24″
Needles. There are different machine needles for piecing of your quilt. I am happy using a needle size 80/12. There is also a size 75/11. I don’t remember ever trying a different brand other than SCHMETZ. It is my go-to brand when I need needles for my machine. Also, I only like to buy them from fabric shops.
Pins: You will need some pins to hold your small quilt pieces together. You won’t need lots! A small box will do. There are also clips now. I haven’t tried the clips but many quilters love them. If you want, also pick up a tomato or pin cushion to hold your pins for you.
Thread. There are so many threads out there! It is really overwhelming. The company Aurifil is marketed everywhere in the quilting world. It is a good quality thread and many swear by it. Since we are strictly talking about the piecing and not the “quilt sandwich”, I want to tell you what I use. When I am piecing my quilt, I use a standard polyester thread by Gutterman. I am pretty sure it is a 50 weight. The only time I don’t use polyester thread is when I am making my “quilt sandwich” or when I am making a special request baby blanket. Sometimes someone wants the quilt 100% cotton through and through. If you use cotton thread, be sure it is high quality, because cotton thread tends to snap easily. Starting and stopping to re-thread your needle is a big pain.
Cucirini Tre Stelle is a high quality cotton thread.
I love it!
It comes in different weights. For piecing your quilt, use a 50 weight. (No. 50)
Sewing Machine. The most necessary tool you need to quilt is the Sewing Machine. There are so many options out there. I really encourage you to go to a store and ask for a tour of their machines. In the USA there are sew and vac shops and there are also quilt shops. Be sure to take a test drive. It isn’t necessary to have an expensive machine. You just need to know how to operate it and that you can count on it. Here is an indepth post on sewing machines and a video tour of my two machines.
I hope this list helps you begin your quilting journey!
Sending you joy and love from Rome,
Rachel
