Thread: What is your "must have" quilting tool?

I've always used just the basics; scissors, needle, thread, seem ripper, etc. I make my templates out of poster board most of the time. I did receive a 60 degree ruler from a friend as a gift and I've used it several times. I have a cutting mat and rotary cutter. But, I'm not real happy with it. I'm wanting to branch out a little bit and pick up a few quilting tools. So, what would you suggest I get and what kind?

If all you have is a mat and the cutter, no wonder you are not happy with it. Get a latex ruler, maybe 3 x 18 or 6 x 24 inches, and use that on the mat with your cutter. There are many online videos that demonstrate how to use a rotary cutter and ruler. It's so much faster and more accurate than scissors!

Originally Posted by sewbizgirl

If all you have is a mat and the cutter, no wonder you are not happy with it. Get a latex ruler, maybe 3 x 18 or 6 x 24 inches, and use that on the mat with your cutter. There are many online videos that demonstrate how to use a rotary cutter and ruler. It's so much faster and more accurate than scissors!

I agree, but it will be a plastic, not latex, ruler(I am guessIng that this is what she meant though). I had only the 24x6.5 ruler to use with my rotary cutter for years and made lots of quilts with just the one. I have over time acquired several others as I made quilts that they would make easier. Don't just go buy a bunch, wait until a certain one is needed. That is much more efficient use of resources. The second one I bought was a 12.5 square ruler to check blocks for square. These are still the two I use most. I have recently discovered "Glo tape" for making temporary lines on my rulers for cutting certain sizes repeatedly, makes cutting much faster since I don't have to squint to see the lines as I cut.

Originally Posted by sewbizgirl

If all you have is a mat and the cutter, no wonder you are not happy with it. Get a latex ruler, maybe 3 x 18 or 6 x 24 inches, and use that on the mat with your cutter. There are many online videos that demonstrate how to use a rotary cutter and ruler. It's so much faster and more accurate than scissors!

I agree with sewbizgirl. And when you get your ruler also get Dritz Omnigrid Invisi-Grip. It comes on a roll and I have it on all my rulers to keep them from sliding on the fabric. My 6 x 24 inch ruler with the grip on the back is my favorite tool to use with my mat and rotary cutter.

Miss Eleanor is AMAZING! i have a couple of her cd's and want to get the Victory Quilts next. MSQC is equally as great! yes, you need all those little tools and gadgets, they really WILL come in handy! you never know what you might come up with once you look at a couple youtubes and get some omnigrids in your hand! you may even find an iron or two that suits your fancy!

Originally Posted by Geri B

I think you are seriously hindering yourself by not buying a "few" templates and expanding your horizons......check MSQC the techniques along with the templates might interest you .....or Eleanor burns/quilt in a day........nothing extreme and "use only once" rulers, but things you will reach for regularly.....

I love my rotary cutter and cutting mat...and I love the creative grid rulers. It did take a while to get till I felt confident in my cutting, but now I don't dread cutting at all. I do prefer Olfa rotary cutters, though I have heard others like other styles but will use the olfa blades in them. I use the big rotary cutter at least 75% of the time. The big blades cost more but they last a lot longer. I have had two different white mats that I do not like...love the green mats by Olfa.

And I love good, thin straight pins.

I LOVE my Juki 98Q for piecing and freemotion quilting...but I think you are meaning the smaller accessories.