Tools / Supplies

Basic tools and supplies needed for quilting

  • Self healing cutting mat - these come in various sizes. It's good to have one with both imperial and metric markings.
  • Rotary cutter - this is used together with the cutting mat and ruler. A rotary cutter is much quicker and more accurate than using scissors and you can cut through more than one layer at a time. The  blades are really sharp, so be sure to lock the blade guard into place to be safe when not cutting. 
  • Quilting ruler - there are many sizes and shapes of quilting rulers available. 
  • Fabric - you can use fabric that you already have or purchase pre cut bundles e.g.charm packs, jelly rolls etc.
  • Batting or wadding - See my tutorial for different types of batting.
  • Pins -  there are many types of pins. Quilters pins are flat headed , long and can easily be pulled out.
  • Quilters curved pins or safety pins - when basting your quilt, safety pins can be used to secure all 3 layers of your quilt sandwich but quilters curved pins are really good as the curve makes them easier to insert through the layers.
  • Needles - for hand quilting it's good to use betweens size 9 or 10. For machine quilting one of the most common sizes of machine needles is 90/14. It works well quilting through the layers of a quilt sandwich and the eye of the needle is big enough to accommodate most threads.
  • Thread - quilters use all sorts of threads for quilting from cotton to decorative versions. Threads specifically for hand quilting should not be used in your sewing machine because they are coated with a glaze that is not compatible with your machine. A common thread for machine quilting is a 40 weight cotton thread.
  • Marking pens - there are various fabric markers on the market. be sure to always test a marker on a scrap of fabric to ensure that the marks will come out once you have completed a project.
  • Quilters tape -  The quilters ¼” tape is really useful to mark straight lines onto your quilt top. Position it where you  want it, then sew along its edge. It can be repositioned a few times before it loses its stickiness. 
  • Seam unpicker - a seam unpicker is invaluable. If your seams are not right, don't be afraid to unpick them. It will be better in the long run as you will ensure accuracy.
  • Fabric shears -  You will need a sharp  pair of  fabric shears for cutting fabric and wadding.
  • Sewing snippers - these are good for snipping threads.