How to Choose the Best Quilting Tools and Supplies for Your Next Project

Your Guide to Essential Quilting Tools and Supplies

Whether you’re a beginner starting your quilting journey or a seasoned pro looking to expand your toolkit, determining which quilting supplies are must-haves can feel overwhelming. With so many options on the market, how do you know what’s really useful versus unnecessary extras? In this article, I’ll break down the most important quilting tools and materials from my experience and recommend some of my favorites.

The Quilting Sewing Machine

1. A good sewing machine is arguably the single most important quilting supply. While basic machines can work, I’d recommend opting for a machine with features helpful for quilting like an extended sewing surface, adjustable presser foot pressure, and the ability to do a variety of stitches.
2. Brands like Bernina, Janome and Pfaff are industry standards for a reason – their machines are powerful and precise enough for detailed quilting work. You can find refurbished or gently used models that perform like new for hundreds less than a brand new machine.
3. Don’t forget to budget for extras like extra presser feet, bobbins, and needles tailored for quilting cottons. Proper maintenance is also crucial to keep your machine humming.

Fabric and Batting

1. Quilt cottons and flannels in a rainbow of colors and prints are the most common fabrics used. Go for quality 100% cotton that will stand up to washings. Cheap fabrics tend to pill or fray easily.
2. Wadding or batting adds loft and insulation between the quilt layers. I like cotton or bamboo because they’re more breathable than polyester. Fusible fleece batting is kinda dope for super quick no-sew quilts too.
3. Backing fabric should be at least 4 inches wider than the top pieces horizontally and vertically for ample overhang. A cute or coordinating print looks superb as the back side.

Cutting and Marking Tools

Scissors specifically for fabric are essential – try Olfa or Fiskars brands. Rotary cutters like Olfa or Studio 360 enable you to cut multiple layers with ease. Go slow when learning to use a cutter yo, those blades are sharp! Thread chalks or washable fabric markers let you label pieces or draw sewing lines. A cutting mat protects surfaces while you slice. I’ve destroyed my fair share learning to use all these tools, so be patient with yourself fam!

Pins, Needles, and Concepts

Pins: Pins temporarily hold quilt pieces in place until sewn. Sharp glass head pins like Clover brand are easiest to insert and remove.

Needles: Use quilting needles meant for multiple layers of fabric. I stock up on assorted sizes from 70/10 to 90/14.

Thread: All-purpose cotton or poly thread works well. As for color, it’s best to match or slightly contrast the fabric.

Seam ripper: For inevitable picking-out of mistakes. I swear by Frixion pens that disappear with heat for temporary markings too!

Concepts: Take time to learn quilting basics like accurate 1/4″ seam allowances, pressing techniques, squareness and more. Practice makes progress, yo!

Quilting and Binding Tools

Once the quilt top is pieced, it’s time to layer, baste, quilt and bind. Rulers and templates for straight lines or complex patterns aid accuracy. A walking foot attaches to your sewing machine for feeding multiple layers evenly. Quilting gloves or a thimble protects fingers on long stitching sessions. Binding tools like that C&T Publishing binding tool make quick work of attaching the finished edge.

Finishing Touch Tools

To display your quilted masterpiece in style, you’ll want techniques to finish and care for it. A quilt hanging sleeve attaches to the back for draping. A measuring tape helps track hours of your labor. For storage, a protective quilt bag or archival box shields fabric from dust and light exposure when not in use. Fabric spray starch or Best Press gives quilts freshness. A lint roller removes stray fuzzies. These extras keep things looking brand new for years to come!

So in summary, focus on a good sewing machine, quality fabrics, sharp cutting tools, and practice. The rest of the gear comes in handy, but those basics are truly essential. Hopefully this overview gave you some ideas of where to start your quilting tool collection. Does this help explain what’s most useful for both beginning and more advanced quilters? Let me know if you have any other quilting questions! Now get out there and start that next masterpiece – can’t wait to see how it turns out!

Essential Quilting Tools and Supplies

FAQ

1. What tools do I need to get started with quilting?

   Basically, there are some essentials you’ll want for basic quilting. Things like scissors, pins, a sewing machine (either home or industrial style), rotary cutter, and cutting mat are at the top of the list. A quilting ruler can too help make straight cuts. You may also want a sewing needle and marking pencil or pen for transferring designs onto fabric. Basically, focus on those main tools first before getting others.

2. How much fabric should I buy for a baby quilt?

   You’ll need over 1 yard of each type of fabric for a baby quilt. At the same time, it depends on the size and pattern. For a standard size crib quilt, 1 1/2 yards of each fabric is a decent choice. Have more than you think you need, as errors occur – and pieces go missing, as anyone who has ever looked for that one odd sock can tell you! You can basically never have too much fabric when starting out. Wait for fabric stores to run sales for best prices.

   

3. Should I prewash my fabrics before quilting?

   It’s always a good idea to prewash fabrics before quilting to prevent shrinkage issues down the line. Fabric shrinkage can cause your carefully pieced top to pucker or gap. However, some exceptions exist – like cottons or quilting cottons that claim no-shrink properties. The best approach is to check tags or do a small wash test on scraps to be doubly sure. It’s better to be safe than sorry when all your work depends on consistent sizes!

4. Can I quilt on my regular sewing machine?

   Absolutely! Many quilters create beautiful works using only a regular home machine. Obviously, an industrial machine allows for larger quilts more easily. But there’s no need to rush out and buy a heavy-duty machine right away. Most home models can handle piecing, applique, and straight-line quilting well. Maybe look for ones known to work well for quilting if eventually upgrading – like those with bigger bases for stability. Or ask quilting experts for advice when machine shopping. No need to spend a fortune, at least to start!

5. What size should a quilt be?

   Standard quilt sizes are crib-size (up to 52″ wide), twin (up to 68″ wide), queen (up to 84″ wide), and king (up to 108″ wide). You might also do baby quilts, lap quilts, throw quilts, or wall quilts in various dimensions. Depending on who it’s for and how you want them used, you can basically choose any size that suits your vision. Don’t feel bound to tradition – you’re the artist! Get creative and do what fits the space and recipient best.

6. Should I quilt myself or hire it out?

   There are pros and cons to both quilting your own tops and sending them out to a longarm quilter. When starting out, it may be easier to get some practice piecing tops and let others add the quilting until hand skills improve. However, quilting your own tops allows you to bond with the project and have full control over thread colors and patterns. Take a class and give yourself a try before deciding. Or do a mix of projects to learn different techniques. As in most arts, there’s more than one road to success.

   

7. How do I join two quilts for one large piece?

   If you want to create a bigger quilt top than your standard machine can handle, or combine designs, you have some options. The same techniques used for joining multiple blocks or sections could work to adjoin two smaller quilted pieces too. Consider decorative seam treatments like folding the raw edges under and stitching close to the folded line. Or use an inset seam and piece fabrics in between the two sections. Binding naturally covers the join. Sometimes marvelous things come from experimenting beyond boundaries! Why not try it?