Top 10 Useful Tools for the New Quilter
So, I am highly confident that there a ton of places to find lists of “must haves” new quilters need. That said, I’m tossing in my vote. I live in a world where sinking a ton of money into anything all at once has just never been a thing… Sure, stuff comes up and I definitely know how to spend money. Having learned all kinds of lessons over the years, I like to be practical where possible. I not have the finances to spend frivolously – maybe someday, but not today. I also don’t have the space to add countless extra tools, gadgets, fabric, etc to my quilting collection. As I think about what is actually ‘necessary’ for a beginning quilter, I came up with the following:
Sewing Machines and Accessories
This may seem obvious, but this area largely consists of personal preference dressed up as authority. Yes – we all have sewing machines that we love, and those we hate. A dirty little secret that you may not know- any functioning sewing machine will work for quilting. I started quilting on a very basic Singer that I have owned for over 15 years. It’s not that great of a sewing machine, but it worked and I already owned it. It worked for many casual projects and when I moved in to the realm of quilting it worked there as well. When I say that, it worked fine for piecing and free motion quilting – though not easy, it does work.
Please Sir, I want some more…
If you continue quilting, you will likely come to a point where you want ‘more’. Quality, bells and whistles, size, variety – there are lots of options. I would encourage you to visit local dealers – try out different brands to find something you like in your price range. Then – don’t forget to ask about what comes with the machine (warranties, classes, etc). Also be aware that some dealers sell used machines at great prices. Do your due diligence as you would with any used purchase, and ask about available classes, etc. This worked for me – I was able to upgrade a couple years ago at a fraction of the price of a new machine.
¼” Foot – This is a must unless you’re gifted with some incredible abilities 😊. They are specific to your machine so be sure you purchase the right one if your machine didn’t come with it (many of the newer machines do)
Thread for piecing – thread is a whole other issue that people have very strong opinions on. At the risk of alienating some folks – avoid the cheap stuff. You can find decently priced thread that performs better than the most common, all purpose brands. Take care with the old thread collection that you inherited from your grandmother though. I live in Colorado and I will tell you that EVERYTHING here dries out… Thread is no exception.
Cutting Tools
Rotary cutter – use a 50% off coupon at your preferred craft store and get a good one. Changing blades in the cheaper options can be a horrible experience. Cutting into the self healing mat, horrible….
Cutting Mat – same as the rotary cutter – this is an area to shop for a deal or use a coupon for the better version.
Long acrylic ruler (24”) – I started with an 18” and quickly figured out that it was a mistake. I was gifted a 24” and may upgrade to a thicker ruler (with a coupon, lol). Update: be aware that using brands consistently in projects will probably give you better results. I have heard that sometimes going back and forth between different brands resulted in skewed sizes.
Scissors – good ones. I suggest that you threaten your family members with bodily harm (said with love) for using them to cut anything other than fabric. I have had to replace them after being used to cut paper, cardboard, something that caused an actual chip. Don’t ask, because I never did get a straight answer – and no, I only replaced them once after the chip because they weren’t salvageable. My current pair have been used to cut duct tape. The 12 year old has, by far, been the slowest learner in this area…
Additional Tools
Seam ripper – after spending HOURS using a small and cheap (think the kind that comes with your machine) seam ripper to take apart my hubbies BDUs for a memory quilt, I suggest getting a more ergonomically friendly version. Keep in mind that they do wear with time. You might grab a spare to have on hand as well.
Iron – again, any iron will do but I recommend paying attention to yours if it’s exceptionally old – my old iron started losing the coating and left marks on fabric before I realized it needed to be replaced. Oops. I bought a reasonably priced iron at Target when that happened and used that until I received an Oliso as a gift.
I have also heard horror stories with regards to machines and older, full sized irons plugged into the same power strip. I would advise against that if traveling with your machine…
Flat head quilting pins – they’re thinner and generally leave less evidence on your piecing. Not hugely expensive – commonly come with a head that looks like a flower but there are all kinds of them now.
There it is. My list of must haves for the new quilter. Now- do keep in mind that there are NEEDS and then there are needs… 😊 I will happily share my list of those other needs in a future post!
Happy Quilting!
Amanda