Basic supplies?
05-08-2008, 06:28 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 115
What are the basic supplies that are needed for quilting? Besides the sewing machine and fabric of course. :lol:
What are good brands of supplies? Where is a good place to find said supplies?
As much detail as possible would be appreciated as sewing is a completely new arena for me. :oops: I'm a scrapper and I've dabbled in decorating cakes, but sewing? Other than the very basics, I'm pretty lost. :lol:
I understand that there are different types/sizes of needles? Different quality thread? Even different quality fabric? I gather that Walmart fabric is not very good?
Thanks for the guidance!
What are good brands of supplies? Where is a good place to find said supplies?
As much detail as possible would be appreciated as sewing is a completely new arena for me. :oops: I'm a scrapper and I've dabbled in decorating cakes, but sewing? Other than the very basics, I'm pretty lost. :lol:
I understand that there are different types/sizes of needles? Different quality thread? Even different quality fabric? I gather that Walmart fabric is not very good?
Thanks for the guidance!
05-09-2008, 10:50 AM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: So. California
Posts: 3,769
Hi Moonhoney2! Welcome to the Board!
Basics: Rotary Cutter - I personally prefer the Olfa 45mm that self-closes.
Self-healing rotary cutting mat - again, I like Olfa
Acrylic rulers - 6"X12", 6"X24" are good to start with. I prefer the Omnigrip brand, they're non-slip.
Scissors - you should have one pair of GOOD scissors, that you don't use for anything but fabric! Gingher brand is awesome, I saved up & have one pair of shears & one of small ones for snipping threads. Fiscars is a less-expensive option too. Nothing wrong with those! The Ginghers just feel so good in your hand!
Pins - you need long pins for piecing. I started out using the standard glass ball head pins, but a couple of years ago I switched to flat head pins. I find them easier to use with the rulers...and my sewing machine needle can go thru' the head without breaking...ahem! :oops:
Needles - Machine - I think I have mostly Schmetz brand
Hand sewing/quilting - John James brand (quilt shops carry)
Thread - I use Coats & Clark's Dual Duty mostly, also have some neat polyesters from Superior Threads, and Gutterman...
Anyone else? Can't think of what else to add!
Most of these can be purchased at JoAnn Fabric or WalMart or quilt shops or online. WalMart fabric is OK - just depends on what you want to do and how much disposable income you have! LOL My stash has fabric from WalMart, JoAnn's, local quilt shops, quilt show vendors....
(I don't want to scare you, but you can see most of my stash here: http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/4493.page )
Basics: Rotary Cutter - I personally prefer the Olfa 45mm that self-closes.
Self-healing rotary cutting mat - again, I like Olfa
Acrylic rulers - 6"X12", 6"X24" are good to start with. I prefer the Omnigrip brand, they're non-slip.
Scissors - you should have one pair of GOOD scissors, that you don't use for anything but fabric! Gingher brand is awesome, I saved up & have one pair of shears & one of small ones for snipping threads. Fiscars is a less-expensive option too. Nothing wrong with those! The Ginghers just feel so good in your hand!
Pins - you need long pins for piecing. I started out using the standard glass ball head pins, but a couple of years ago I switched to flat head pins. I find them easier to use with the rulers...and my sewing machine needle can go thru' the head without breaking...ahem! :oops:
Needles - Machine - I think I have mostly Schmetz brand
Hand sewing/quilting - John James brand (quilt shops carry)
Thread - I use Coats & Clark's Dual Duty mostly, also have some neat polyesters from Superior Threads, and Gutterman...
Anyone else? Can't think of what else to add!
Most of these can be purchased at JoAnn Fabric or WalMart or quilt shops or online. WalMart fabric is OK - just depends on what you want to do and how much disposable income you have! LOL My stash has fabric from WalMart, JoAnn's, local quilt shops, quilt show vendors....
(I don't want to scare you, but you can see most of my stash here: http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/4493.page )
05-09-2008, 11:02 AM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Central FL
Posts: 4,829
That sounds like a pretty complete list to me. I use a lipped ruler a lot - it is one thing I wish I had when I was learning.
Check into some of the Quilt in a Day books by Eleanor Burns - they are wonderful, and she is an expert at finding easy ways to cut and piece. Many of us got hooked early on because of her log cabin book. It was the first time I got a top done in a week, and really inspired me to stay with the craft.
There is a tablerunner class here that was a great starter - http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/45/2764.page and http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/2974.page
and once a month, there is a beginner class by ShellyQ
www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/6460.page
Check into some of the Quilt in a Day books by Eleanor Burns - they are wonderful, and she is an expert at finding easy ways to cut and piece. Many of us got hooked early on because of her log cabin book. It was the first time I got a top done in a week, and really inspired me to stay with the craft.
There is a tablerunner class here that was a great starter - http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/45/2764.page and http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/2974.page
and once a month, there is a beginner class by ShellyQ
www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/6460.page
05-09-2008, 01:30 PM
#6
Administrator
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Southeast Georgia, USA
Posts: 9,093
Scissors, various sizes and "pointiness" - check (although i think the $2 imitation Fiskars work just as well. PLUS i don't cry when i can't find them. :lol: )
Seam Un-Sewer, also various sizes and "pointiness" - check. (daaaaaaahling ... we never rip. We re-engineer. :lol: )
TWEEZERS ... to pick out the rogue little pieces of thread left over from re-engineering or for giving it the final precision haircut when it's done. (what? you've never failed to clip a slightly frayed edge before stitching and ended up with whiskers on the top? :lol: )
Ruler that gives you lip - check (unless you're already getting enough lip from the husband or kids because they no longer have 150% of your undivided attention. :roll: )
Needles: omigosh!!! so many needles for so many purposes. take a dramamine, honey, cause you will get dizzy. :lol:
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00185.asp
http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/sewing-tips.html
http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/sewinginfo/hsc-sewing-hints/sewing-mach-needles.htm
http://www.shiboridragon.com/NeedleInfo.htm
(somebody pass the smelling salts and let the poor kid know that a size 11 or 14 standard needle or quilting needle will work just fine in most cases. :wink: )
thread? wars have started over which threads are worst and best. :lol: i have one machine in which i can use just about anything. I have another that throws tension trantrums if i don't feed it what it wants. oddly ... one of its favorites is the dirt-cheap poly blend from wally world. which, naturally, i didn't discover until i'd spent a fortune testing higher end stuff. :lol: :lol:
point being ... don't run out and buy a whole lot of anything. buy one each of a variety of whichever brands and types you can afford, then feed your baby what it likes best. :wink:
the same goes for fabric. i will be the first to admit that i now have a preference for the brands you can buy online but i still shop at walmart, too. except for their muslin and a few things from the dollar table, none of it has ever shrunk on me or bled. also, since i experiment a lot, my failures don't cost me a fortune. :wink:
and i CAN'T believe nobody else recommended the SINGLE most important item in the kit: CHOCOLATE!!!!! bags of it; boxes of it; buckets of it. to console yourself when a seam won't go right; and to celebrate when it does. :P :P :P
Seam Un-Sewer, also various sizes and "pointiness" - check. (daaaaaaahling ... we never rip. We re-engineer. :lol: )
TWEEZERS ... to pick out the rogue little pieces of thread left over from re-engineering or for giving it the final precision haircut when it's done. (what? you've never failed to clip a slightly frayed edge before stitching and ended up with whiskers on the top? :lol: )
Ruler that gives you lip - check (unless you're already getting enough lip from the husband or kids because they no longer have 150% of your undivided attention. :roll: )
Needles: omigosh!!! so many needles for so many purposes. take a dramamine, honey, cause you will get dizzy. :lol:
http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00185.asp
http://www.theartfulcrafter.com/sewing-tips.html
http://www.denverfabrics.com/pages/sewinginfo/hsc-sewing-hints/sewing-mach-needles.htm
http://www.shiboridragon.com/NeedleInfo.htm
(somebody pass the smelling salts and let the poor kid know that a size 11 or 14 standard needle or quilting needle will work just fine in most cases. :wink: )
thread? wars have started over which threads are worst and best. :lol: i have one machine in which i can use just about anything. I have another that throws tension trantrums if i don't feed it what it wants. oddly ... one of its favorites is the dirt-cheap poly blend from wally world. which, naturally, i didn't discover until i'd spent a fortune testing higher end stuff. :lol: :lol:
point being ... don't run out and buy a whole lot of anything. buy one each of a variety of whichever brands and types you can afford, then feed your baby what it likes best. :wink:
the same goes for fabric. i will be the first to admit that i now have a preference for the brands you can buy online but i still shop at walmart, too. except for their muslin and a few things from the dollar table, none of it has ever shrunk on me or bled. also, since i experiment a lot, my failures don't cost me a fortune. :wink:
and i CAN'T believe nobody else recommended the SINGLE most important item in the kit: CHOCOLATE!!!!! bags of it; boxes of it; buckets of it. to console yourself when a seam won't go right; and to celebrate when it does. :P :P :P
05-09-2008, 05:18 PM
#8
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 66
Welcome to quilting!
I don't know where your from but Joann fabric coupons are a must if theres
one nearby. I use the coupons for the more expensive things like books, scissors, mats.....ect. I love the Ginger scissors light weight ones there my'
favorite. And yes a seam ripper is a must. I call mine my best friend!
Looks like your getting plenty of help here. I love these guys! :lol:
I don't know where your from but Joann fabric coupons are a must if theres
one nearby. I use the coupons for the more expensive things like books, scissors, mats.....ect. I love the Ginger scissors light weight ones there my'
favorite. And yes a seam ripper is a must. I call mine my best friend!
Looks like your getting plenty of help here. I love these guys! :lol:
05-09-2008, 05:44 PM
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
A good 1/4" presser foot that works well for you and your machine :D extra bobbins so you do not have to stop and wind bobbins when you are "in the zone" :D safety pins or basting spray for when you are ready to sandwich your quilt :D
05-09-2008, 07:04 PM
#10
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Sault Ste Marie, ON
Posts: 95
I took my first quilting class from quiltuniversity.com and it worked out great. I learned a lot of the basics and was able to do it on my own time and on my own machine at home. All the lessons can be printed out for future reference and the cost is nominal, usually less than $50.00. All of the teachers are professionals and you can ask any questions you want during the weeks the class is going on. Sunflower
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