Must Have Quilting Tools
Quilting is even more fun and a whole lot easier when you have the right tools. There are a few basic tools that are a must have for all quilters.
1. Rotary Cutter - A Rotary Cutter comes in various blade sizes and the blades can be replaced when they become dull. A good size for your first blade is 45 mm. They also come with different handle styles. You should experiment to see which style works best for you. Straight edge shapes are cut more quickly and accurately with a Rotary Cutter than with scissors. Because Rotary Cutters are extremely sharp, you should develop a habit of retracting the blade after each cut or buy one with a self-retracting blade.
2. Cutting Mat - You should always use a Rotary Cutter with a cutting mat that is specifically designed for their use. Not only will it protect your work surface, but the mat will keep your fabric from moving while you are cutting. The best mat to start with is a 17 x 23 mat that is marked with a one-inch grid, hash marks at 1/8 inch increments, and 45 degree and 60 degree angles
3. Acrylic Ruler - Choose a thick, clear acrylic ruler to help you make perfectly straight cuts with your Rotary Cutter. The best size for a beginner is a 6 x 24 inch rectangular ruler that is marked in 1/4 inch increments.
4. Fabrics - 100% Cotton Fabric is the best for quilt making. It minimizes seam distortion, presses crisply and is just all around easier to Quilt. Most Quilt Patterns specify fabrics that are 44 to 45 inches wide. Make sure to check your pattern to see if a little extra yardage is added to accommodate minor cutting errors and shrinkage. For extra fabric help please read Choose & Prepare Fabric.
5. Thread - Thread is used for hand or machine quilting. You can either match the thread to your fabric or use a contrasting color. Because most quilters use 100% Cotton Fabric, is is best to use 100% Cotton Thread. The fibers should wear evenly because they will be equal in strength. Old Thread can become brittle and lose it's elasticity. If your thread continues to break, it is probably old and you should try using a new spool.
6. Sewing Needles - A "Sharp" is the preferred sewing machine needle for woven cotton fabrics. The best sizes for piecing, quilting and binding most quilts is 75/11 or 80/12. If you are piecing tightly woven batiks you will want to use a smaller needle, 70/10. On the other hand, if you are sewing flannels, you will want to use a larger needle, 90/14. If you start seeing skipped or uneven stitches, it is usually caused by a dull needle. It is best to insert a new needle when you start a new project.
7. Sewing Machine - A Sewing Machine that will sew a straight stitch and has a well adjusted tension, not too tight and not too loose, works well for piecing. Machine Applique is possible if your machine can make zig-zag or blanket stitches. If you notice your Sewing Machine has poor stitch quality do not make any adjustments until you lift the presser foot and rethread the needle.
These are the basic tools you need to get started Quilting. These "tools of the trade" will allow you to make just about any quilt with ease.
