Here's my list of favorite quilting supplies that are great for beginners!
Hey there quilty friends! If you’re like me, then you love a good recommendation on new quilting tools and supplies to try (especially if they make cutting and piecing faster!). So I thought it would be great to keep an updated list of all my personal favorite quilting supplies that I use when I quilt in case it’s helpful to any of you.
Let’s get started! There’s a lot to cover.
Sewing Machine: I started quilting on a really basic $100 Singer sewing machine, but as soon as I was able, I upgraded to a Janome New Home Memory Craft 7700 QCP and I am never looking back! This machine is pricey, but it’s everything! My favorite function has to be the automatic thread cutter.
Basic Rulers: When not using my fancy-schmancy rulers, I use my basic Creative Grids rulers. I have several sizes, but the ones I use most are sizes 4.5″ x 12.5″ and 8.5″ x 24.5″.
Specialty Rulers:
- Creative Grids Stripology Ruler – This is my absolute favorite ruler! It’s a slotted ruler that allows you to make multiple cuts at once. It literally cuts your cutting time in half! It’s pricey for a ruler, but well worth it. I use it any time I can. I have the larger size and love it.
- Clearly Perfect Slotted Half Square Triangle Trimmers – This is an awesome ruler to trim HSTs.
- Binding Tool – This ruler (or tool) helps you close off your binding seamlessly every time! It’s easy and quick to use once you get the hang of it. The instructions come printed right on the ruler.
Thread: I started using Aurifil thread when I started really getting into quilting. I found that it was also amoung other quilter’s favorite quilting supplies. This thread is magical! I have no tension or breaking issues, its strong and so nice and easy to sew with. I use the 50wt Natural White 2021 for pretty much all my piecing and machine quilting.
Kwik Klip: This handy dandy tool makes pin basting a breeze! You just push the safety pin against the metal rod and use it to close the safety pin. My hands were so happy when I found this tool!
Cutting Mat and Rotary Cutter: I have a couple of American Crafts cutting mats, these are nice and heavy and come in cute colors, but I usually only use them for pretty pictures. The cutting mat that gets the most use is my 24″x36″ Olfa cutting mat along with the 45mm Olfa Splash rotary cutter in aqua.
Fabric: There is so much beautiful fabric out there and I would buy it all if I could! I love collecting and using precuts. It’s an easy way to create a cohesive and beautiful quilt or project because all the prints were designed to go together. Since I use a lot of white fabric for quilt backgrounds, I usually buy a bolt of Moda Bella Solid in Bleached White 97 so I always have it on hand.
Batting: I use Warm and White cotton batting. It’s great quality, light but warm and affordable.
Scissors: I’ve had many scissors, but nothing like the Karen Kay Buckley ones. I have them in 3 different sizes. They are so sharp and precise. They have micro serrated blades which helps to stop fabric from fraying.
Pins: Little House pins are my all time favorite! I’ve used many others, but love how sharp and fine these are.
Needles:
- Sewing Machine Needles – Schmetz Universal Needles.
- Binding Needles – Clover Gold Eye Embroidery Needles.
Seam Ripper: I’ve tried out a few seam rippers, but this one is the best I’ve found. It’s sharp and feels comfortable in my hand.
Seam Tape: This diagonal seam tape from Cluck Cluck Sew is a game changer! It makes sewing half square triangles and other diagonal seams so much faster by not having to mark each piece.
Clover Wonder Clips: These are awesome to hold your binding in place as you hand sew it on, it makes it so much easier! They are also so versatile and can be used for so many other things.
Iron and Wool Pressing Mat: I use an Oliso Mini Project Iron on a wool pressing mat to press blocks as I sew and keep it right next to my sewing machine. I can’t tell you how much flatter my blocks are by using the wool pressing mat!
I hope you find this list of my favorite quilting supplies helpful! I’ll be sure to keep adding if I find any new tools that I fall in love with. If you don’t see something on my list that you think I need to try out, let me know!
happy quilting!
Sylvia
Sharon Whiteley
Hi I’m turning 70 in October and have only been quilting for 10years and love it.I love trying new and better ways of doing things.Ive only been free motion quilting for a year.
So Sylvia keep up the great work