Must haves for newbie quilter
10-18-2012, 03:01 AM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 481
I love having a big mat, my rotary cutter, June Taylor's Shape Cutter, and the 2 rulers I use most is 6 x 24 and 6 x 12 (for squaring my fabric). Of course, the trusty seam ripper and a small pair of scissors for snipping threads. (I use my sewing scissors much less than I used to because rotary cutters are so much easier, but they are useful at times as well.) I also like to have a small "cut and press" because I don't always like to have my ironing board up. This gives me a 12 by 18 inch surface to cut on and flip for pressing....it isn't necessary but I do use it as I build my squares. Welcome to the world of quilting. It is a very contagious hobby that I have only just begun a couple years ago myself.
10-18-2012, 03:28 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 368
Rotary cutter and extra blades, fabric, cutting mat - 18" x 24", 6" x 24" ruler, fabric, good scissors - large for cutting fabric, small for snipping threads, fabric, expansion table for machine if not in cabinet 18" x 24", good tape measure, extra bobbins, fabric, extra sewing machine needles - assorted sizes, good lighting, serge protector, fabric, good chair. Did I mention fabric?
10-18-2012, 04:48 AM
#34
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NJ
Posts: 88
I remember experiencing much frustration when I learned to quilt because I didn't have the right tools. In addition to the cutting and measuring tools suggested, add a quarter inch foot (with guide) and a walking foot for your machine. The quarter inch foot is indispensable and will help you to keep perfect quarter inch seams; the walking foot is a must for quilting unless your machine has it built in.
10-18-2012, 05:42 AM
#35
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,904
Welcome to the board, there are so many things that make quilting fun and easier. Just pick what you would use
to work with. the rotary cutter and mat , 2 things that I think are my most used. of course the sewing machine
since I don't hand sew. Good luck happy quilting.
to work with. the rotary cutter and mat , 2 things that I think are my most used. of course the sewing machine
since I don't hand sew. Good luck happy quilting.
10-18-2012, 05:45 AM
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Rosedale, Indiana
Posts: 2,003
Originally Posted by luana
Start with a few basics. Everyone has preferences, but until you get started, how do you know what fits your needs? I agree with Katie about ruler size. I would invest in a nice cutting mat and rotary cutter. A good ream ripper, if you are like me you will make your fair share of mistakes along the way. I am excited for you. Right now you feel "out to sea", we all spend lots of time sailing around. It's a big ocean, so much to learn, so many fun things to do, so many nice people to meet. It's like a cruise of a lifetime. Enjoy :-)
10-18-2012, 06:06 AM
#38
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,419
I also welcome you.
After loading up with all sorts of 'I think I have to haves' - and ' This is on sale/closeout, so I think I'll get it' -
I'm thinking a shorter list of items is a better thing.
A sewing machine that is working well - and you learn/know how to use it.
Almost all piecing can be done with a good straight-stitch machine. Check the vintage machine section and read how many people are very happy with older machines that are basically just straight stitch machines.
More can be fun - but sometimes 'more' is just clutter!
After loading up with all sorts of 'I think I have to haves' - and ' This is on sale/closeout, so I think I'll get it' -
I'm thinking a shorter list of items is a better thing.
A sewing machine that is working well - and you learn/know how to use it.
Almost all piecing can be done with a good straight-stitch machine. Check the vintage machine section and read how many people are very happy with older machines that are basically just straight stitch machines.
More can be fun - but sometimes 'more' is just clutter!
10-18-2012, 07:13 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Killeen, Texas
Posts: 329
Welcome! Everyone here has given great advice and specifics on tools. I would have to agree with the largest self-healing mat according to your budget, a quality rotary cutter (I prefer Gingher but also use Olfa), the 6x24 ruler, a 12x12 square ruler for help with squaring up fabric before cutting, a pair of inexpensive scissors you wil only use for cutting/trimming batting and yes a good seam ripper. I would also like to add two items which I don't believe has been mentioned...first, a long-handled tweezer. I use the tweezer when shaping the mitered corners on my binding, as a stiletto (careful not to get too close to the presser foot and needle), and for repositioning/realigning fabric as I'm machine sewing. Second, is the Fons & Porter binding tool. I struggled for a while trying to perfectly measure the correct length when joining my binding ends when I discovered there was a tool to do that. It's something I couldn't do without! Warm wishes on one of the most rewarding craft journeys you will ever take!
10-18-2012, 08:11 AM
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 2,879
I'm sure you will lots of responses on tools, which are all good ideas. But one of my favorite quilting things is a 'single hole needle plate' for your machine. It keeps those pointy corners and little edges from getting sucked down into the machine. And you know, when you are piecing small pieces, none of it can afford to be sucked into the feed dogs. It will probably only cost you about $30 or so, but I'd give up a whole lot of other tools before I gave up the single needle plate.
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