I'm trying to obtain the basic notions to begin quilting. So far, I have: rotary cutter, 18x24 self healing mat, 6x18 acrylic ruler, 6.5x6.5 square template and some circle templates. What should be my next purchases?

TIA!!!

Hate to say it but a seam ripper will come in handy. Are you machine or hand sewing? Needles, pins, scissors. A good beginners project would be a cute pincushion which will also come in handy. And the most obvious - fabric.

I agree... unforunately my seam ripper gets about as much use as my machine.....sigh

I do have basic sewing notions. Have about 3 seam rippers but one is my fav...don't know what I'll do if I lose it. I have pin cushions, different type of straight pins, and scissors reserved just for fabric. I have been sewing most of my life and do machine embroidery so even have the little embroidery scissors.

Anything else?

Sounds like you have the basics.. But there are so many other notions that are just handy..

Roxannes basting glue
Glue sticks
Wand magnet
thread catcher (mines an empty kleenex box)
specialty rulers
Stiletto ( Mines a wooden bamboo skewer)
marking pencils
Teflon sheet for appliques
Walking foot - MUST HAVE
Starch- ANOTHER MUST HAVE

All notions are "must haves" aren't they?????? or is that just me???

The quilters bent safety pins for when you sandwich the layers of the quilt together! I too sewed most of my life & used straight pins on a big quilt I'd made. There was such a bloodletting every time I tried to handle it, it's still not done!! However I did recently get it re-pinned correctly once I found out. Good luck! I'm sure you love it as we do!

I won a quilt kit from Babylock that's surely worth $200 in notions and fabric and thread just for signing up for their e-newsletter. I didn't even realize there was a drawing or anything. Just got a call one day. All high quality useful stuff.

You should purchase a 12 1/2 square and one of those pressing boards. You see them all the time with a cutting mat on one side and on the other side you can iron on. I would also have a good iron. I have three irons. One is the regular size ones. Another is the little iron with the small triangle. This one you can use if you want to do stained glass for paper piecing. Now my favorite iron is the new one that came out a couple of months ago. I bought it at Joann's when they had a 40% coupon. It's blue and has an adjustable head. I can't think of the name right off hand but I will get it and let you know the name of it. Then on books. One of the best quilt block book, and I use it all the time, is "501 Quilt Blocks". It is a wonderful book and you can change the patterns around so you don't use the same one on a quilt or you can make them all them same. It's very easy to use.

My FAVORITE is the Shape n Cut by June Tailor. Cut all my blocks and strips with this. Have had it for years and if anything ever happened to it - would definitely repurchase!!

A 12.5'' square up ruler is something I just got for myself recently and wondered why I waited so long, it makes squaring up your blocks as you go so much easier and more accurate, I used to keep measuring with my long ruler and move it here and there, enough of that!!I believe with this purchase I can cross the beginner bridge to confident beginner, :mrgreen: LOL.

Ditto on the above.
If others did not mention them: Omnigrid [a plastic film that prevents rulers from sliding]and Thread Heaven [comes in a tiny box, a silicone that makes the thread 'slick'] for hand sewing the binding.

Have fun quilting.

Start building a fabric "stash" and begin quilting!! Have fun and enjoy it!

Scissors are next. I suggest Ginghers in large (the black lightweight ones are terrific and less money). I can't live without the 5" "craft" scissors... they never get dull! And then you'll want some small snips. They are expensive but will last you a long time. Either use JoAnn's coupons or go to Hancocks of Paducah! www.hancocksofpaducah.com. If I were to count ALL my scissors in every size, I bet I have 25 pairs! And yes! I use them all! AND.... I ONLY allow Ginghers to sharpen my Gingher shears. There's always a little pamphlet in the box as to where to send them. They're like new when they come back and they come back fast!

I'm so happy you've realized this! It's just like... it's necessary to have 125 extra golf balls! I won't deny myself a single thing, except for the new Bernina #830!! I did an introduction class using it all day, and I cried all the way home! It is incredible. I already have 2 Berninas and they will have to do!!

My personal rule is to buy notions when you need them not in anticipation of using them. I have a box full of never used stuff. That is after you get the basic as you have mentioned.
Such as: Somthing to measure with, cut with and sew with and of course to iron with.

LOL, that sounds like me, If it has to do with quilting, I have to have it!!!

my 2 cents

flannel backed table cloth to lay out your squares

1/4 inch foot if not mentioned already.

Same here. Sometimes I find myself just looking for another gadget. There's got to be something new out there that will make my quilting more interesting.

Or add to my "Had to have, Never use " drawer..

I suggest a 24 inch ruler or something of that size. For cutting blocks or straight lines.

A good quality stiletto like an awl, some tweezers (IMO important), magnetic wand.

Aw, Holice. That takes all the fun out of it. Maybe men are more practical than women. LOL

Small scissors to trim theads. If you live in Mississippi there must be Hancock Fabrics there. They have some nice little ones for $2.99. Personally, instead of starch, use Best Press. It's a great starch alternative. Many quilters use this stuff. Hancock Fabrics have that there too and is often on sale.

I'm starting a list!! I see that I need a 12.5x12.5 square RIGHT NOW!! LOL I can use that with my embroidery, too. I like to have things on hand :) rather than fiddling around trying to find the right thing in my house. I hate to have to leave a project and run to the store!! I get totally off track.

If you're like me you'll need 'all things plastic'!

a magnetic pin holder is necessary for me. I use mine as I remove the quilter safety pins when quilting. Saw a darling idea on on the web (here's a link that JJean shared: http://luannkessi.blogspot.com/2010/...ncushions.html - there are other links posted if you search "magnetic dish" ) where you can make your own. Purchase a small vintage dish or saucer from an antique-y store and glue a couple of magnets to the underside of it. I plan on doing this for my sil as part of her birthday gift. And one for Moi while I'm at it. :-)

Please note that these should not be used too near a computerized sewing machine. I keep mine an arm's length away (hope that's far enough! so far, so good.)

I have the magnetic pincushion, round - keeps those pins where they should be. Also, a magnetic wand to pick up those pins if they happen to fall on the floor. Get that at Harbor Freight. I have a little mug to put in my needle nose plier, my orange stick, pencil, marking pens, etc.. a small container with hand lotion,and my favorite - the Omni Edge. It is an 18x3 lined ruler with a little catch across the top that catches the edge of your cutting mat. It is a godsend, my audiobooks and the telephone - (don't want to get up while I am busy). That's it for me! I think - or unless I find something new to play with. Edie

My seam ripper is my best friend!! LOL

There's a gadget called the "purple thang" that is akin to a stilleto. It's plastic so it won't hurt your machine when trying to catch the bobbin thread, guide fabric, etc.

Everyone else's suggestions are great so can't add more for notions. But, (isn't there always a "but" :-) )one of hte handiest things I have is a tool holder from Joann's. It's canvas, about 6" x 8" x 8" tall, and has lots of pockets. I keep it right nesxt to the machine so I can easily grab those tweezers, screw driver, little brush, etc.

I love my June Tailor Shape Cutter, they have ones that have 1/2 inch slots and 2 1/2 inch slots. I have the 1/2 inch slots, it's much more usable for me.

I second a good seam ripper, sharp/thin pins and bent safety pins. Those are pretty obvious items that I use all the time. My other favorite notion is a good pair of fine point tweezers. I use it to pull threads tightly (when I am trimming) as well as pulling stray threads (when I've ripped seams out). I have only one pair so when I lose them in all my clutter and NEED them, I am searching frantically for them. I got mine in a quilt shop so they are not like eyebrow tweezers.

A magnetic pin cushion and spray basting. And a vintage Featherweight sewing machine. Treat yourself to any book by Eleanor Burns.

A magnetic wand has saved me a few times. I Hand quilt on the sofa and a lost needle can create havoc (or pain)

do you have the address for scissor sharping from Ginghers?

Definitely need a 12X12 square ruler, its invaluable for squaring up your blocks. I use my stiletto ALL the time, so useful to have. I also agree about the small tweezers, I bought them on a whim as they were on sale and find myself using them all the time for various things. Get a small 2X6 ruler too, its good to have for small trimming jobs

One of those little finger sweaters that keeps your finger from being burned when your ironing...my next purchase for sure. I hate steam burns.

I use only a couple tools.
sewing machine
mat
rottary cutter
6x24 ruler
nice pair of scissors
iron

I own a 12.5x12.5 ruler it hangs out in the drawer. I also have a 6.5x12 ruler it rarely gets used. I bought a circle cut template to make a quilt. Used it the one time its hung out in the drawer since. I think my sister is going to use it to make circles for her sons bedroom walls so it MAY get used again. I cut triangles with a square/rectangle ruler that is marked with 45 or 60 degree marks.

do you have the address for scissor sharping from Ginghers?

My suggestions would be a good basic quilt book. Fons and Porter have one which to me is the altamite. If you want to try applique get Becky Goldsmith and Linda Millagans book The New Applique Sampler (learn to applique the Piece O'Cake Way. With those two books and this board you are set to go.