Must haves for newbie quilter
 

Hello,

I am new to the forum and also a beginner to the craft of quilting.

I would love to hear your ideas about the quilting equipment you wouldn't be without.

I already have my sewing machine but know I need more equipment but am feeling out at sea with the choice of quilting accessories available.

Many thanks in advance for your help.

I couldn't live without my rotaray cutters, rulers, and glue stick, but then all you really need is just your imagination and to enjoy what you are doing and remember that the only person you have to please is YOU! I'm sending you all my best wishes for a long life of peicing and stitching,Mawluv

Rotary cutter, rulers, mat. Basting spray (love the 505 brand), quilting gloves (I prefer Machingers - lighter weight, better fitting). Scissors, Seam Ripper. Those are my basics. As far as rulers go, you can get 1-2 to start, then add as you need them. Depending on what you plan to make, probably the most practical are rectangle 6x18 or 6x24, and 12-1/2 square.

Rotary cutter and mat, good scissors, seam ripper and rulers. My favorite rulers are 4X24, 6X24, 12" and 6" and the June Taylor Shape Cut ruler for cutting accurate strips.

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 :-)

my altos cutting system is the best and really helps me cut straight

Other than regular equipment for sewing (scissors, seam ripper, a really good needle threader, pins and needles, etc.) there are only a few essential things to get you going.

---A good rotary cutter and mat - Get the big mat because you'll regret getting a smaller one once you get started. With the big mat you can cut across a folded width of fabric (22") and still see the markings. The smaller ones will hide the lines and you won't be accurate. I like the 60mm cutter. It's smoother and seems to last longer than the 45mm one.

---2 rulers with those dots on the bottom that resist slipping - You'll need a long one to cut across the folded width of fabric (22"). I like my 5 x 36 one really well. And, you'll need a square one for squaring off corners of your quilt or cutting angles. I like the 12 1/2" one the best. Larger ones are SO BIG, and smaller ones don't let me cut my corner far enough for my liking. Get one that has marks along the 1/4", 1/2", 3/4" lines, not just the 1" lines. It should have diagonal lines for 45 degrees, 30 and 60 degree lines are a plus at times.

Now, there are lots of other things that make quilting easier or just a lot of fun.... and I have many of them, but those basic items will get you going and you can add more things as you need them and can afford them. Getting good equipment is a little costly but you'll save yourself time and trouble and won't need to replace it all quite as fast.

Good luck with your quilting..... find a good class to get you started or a friend that has been bitten by the quilting bug and you're off to a great passion, just like the rest of us.

nanna

Oh, I forgot to say, WELCOME to the board. You'll find so many wonderful quilters here that just love to pass on their opinions, and help. Okay, now get quilting!!

Rotary cutters are a must. I prefer Fiskars Titanium Blade with comfort grip. The 45 is the most common size. You can cut about 6 layers of fabric with it. I don't like the "stick" type of cutter because sometimes my hands will tremor a bit and slip on the handle. When getting into rulers, stay with the same manufacturer. I prefer Omnigrid because they are a bit easier for me to read. The reason I say stay with the same manufacturer is because all markings may not match up between different brands. A "self healing" cutting mat is great. I would suggest one in a light color because all fabrics can be seen easily. You want a large mat. You don't want to have to be moving your fabric to get one complete cut and most fabric measures 22 inch folded.
Good neutral color thread for piecing. I prefer to use Maxi Lock light grey for my piecework. It is a thin thread and you don't get a lot of thickness at seam joins. If your machine can not hold a thread cone, you can place it in a jar behind your machine and thread as usual to use.
Good thread snips. I use Havels thread snips and love them. Good seam ripper. Once again I prefer the scalpel type made by Havels.
Quality sewing machine needles. I prefer to use Schmetz Quilting Needles in size 11.
The absolute greatest "tools" of all are quilting friends. Find a mentor who is willing to help and guide you. They are worth more than their weight in gold.

When I started quilting I had a Olfa rotary cutter, self healing mat, Fiskars 6"x24" ruler and a cheapie seam ripper. I still have the same things 10 years later. Along the way I added a few rulers and a bigger mat and a healthy supply of Elmer's School glue and glue sticksfor basting. Yes, you need an iron as well.

a good mat, good rotary cutter, SEAM RIPPER (with a comfy handle and fine point), 5" x 24" ruler (my first had a lip on it that helped hold ruler in place). A good scissors and one of my newer favorites, a little nipper. The nipper is always open and it's great for snipping threads and cutting tiny amounts of fabric.

How exciting to be starting to quilt! I have had the same 5" x 24" lipped ruler for more than 30 years and could not do without it. I use it for cutting across the width of fabrics and it also has angle markings on it so that I can cut bias binding strips. I have a ton of other rulers that I never use, so I would consider this ruler to be the one to have. I also couldn't do without my small, very sharp embroidery scissors that I use in tandem with my seam ripper. Have lately discovered basting spray and don't know how I've managed this long without it. The two last items that I consider to be important are a good rotary cutter that fits your hand comfortably and a large cutting mat that covers your table. With regard to the rotary cutter, I must have about 8 of them and there's really only one I use consistently - it's the small yellow Olfa. Welcome and have fun!!

welcome to the board. i could not live without my 6.5x24" fluorescent ruler. of course, the self-closing rotary cutter and self-healing mat go along with that.

When I started, I got a June Taylor cut and press, a 6"x13" ruler, and a rotary cutter, in addition to standard sewing supplies. I still use all, and have added rulers and a large cutting mat.

Welcome, from Texas! I would advise having several of the small (clear) 6" rulers (fairly cheap, at WalMart). These are good for measuring seams and marking seam lines/guides, etc.; these little rulers have countless uses! Place one by your sewing machine and then place the others in various places, around your sewing area. Keep an extra one, in a "safe place," for when you can't find any of the others! :p Seriously.

Hand sewing needles too! For binding. Sharp pins, iron, seam ripper, rotary cutter, ruler and mat. Start with the basics and add as you "need" things. :) have fun!!

To answer your question, I thought about what items I take with me on retreats.

Sewing machine
needles (both hand and machine)
scissors
rotary cutter
ruler (what kind will be a personal choice - people like their rulers for different reasons)
cutting mat
seam ripper

glue is something I can't live without, both liquid school glue and glue sticks. I hesitate to add it to a list of things for brand-new quilters, but fortunately glue is both cheap and easily available.

Someone else did mention the June Tailor Shape Cut ruler...that is a tool I would NOT want to be without...such a time saver. Everyone has listed so many necessary tools. Start with the basics, and then see what other tools you may need. A longer ruler (6x24) a shorter ruler (maybe 4-1/2x12-1/2) a square ruler (6x6) would be the minimum of rulers that would be helpful for a new quilter. A good seam ripper is useful (I like the Clover one). A good pair of scissors, and a small snips. Of course a rotary cutting board and cutter.
Have fun!

The best lighting you can afford!....the light on my 6600 just doesn't cut it so I have a goose necked lamp setting behind the machine and it makes a world of difference....am searching for a reasonably priced ($70 online is way out of line) LED to put under the harp of the machine.

I would add a good square up ruler for your quilting. I prefer the Martingale - That Patchwork Place one.

If you have any 'special needs' due to arthritis or something that makes the steps of quilting awkward, then there are more suggestions. I like my alto's QuiltCut 2 as I can cut more and more accurately. This is for when you have been quilting a while though.

When I started other quilters gave me my stash. All it took was going to a class at my LQS and joining local quilt groups/guilds.

Have fun.

ali

I agree with all of the above. You obviously have a computer which is a very helpful tool. An unlimited number of patterns and ideas as well as helpful tutorials (Missouri Star Quilt Company has lots) and help with any questions from here on the board. Best of luck.

My short list of specific items I love & use every day I'm quilting:
1. June Tailor Shape Cut ruler 12" x 18".
2. Creative Grid rulers. 6.5" x 24.5", 6.5" x 12.5, 7.5" x 7.5" & 1" x 10".
3. Olfa large rotary cutter.
4. Super-Fine Silk pins (got mine from Clotilde.com)

Lots of rulers you won't really need to get started. 6x24" is good to cut strips and about anything else that needs to be cut. I use blue painter's tape to mark the lines I will be cutting, so I don't miscut. Rotary blades and cutter and seam ripper, I like the small Dritz ripper, we are best buds. I use a large self healing 2 sided mat the most. A lot of things can be added at a later time as you need them. I use large safety pins to sandwich my quilts I have been quilting about 45-46 years.

"Find a mentor who is willing to help and guide you. They are worth more than their weight in gold."
I found a mentor on this board by asking for someone to mentor me. It was the best thing I have done. She is about the smartest gal on this board and has helped me out so much. This is something I recommend. Then you can pm her and she can walk you thru what you need to get started and any difficulties you have along the way. Just my suggestion.

Welcome from NJ. I agree with some of the others here. My basic suggestions would be an 8 x 24 ruler if you can find one. The 6 or 6.5 x 24 are great but there are many patterns out there that (particularly appealing to beginners) that require a wider than 6 or 6.5 in cut. Get a self healing mat that will accommodate a 24-25 in. piece of fabric. That is the typical WOF (width of fabric) folded in half that will be referenced in directions/patterns. A 45 mm rotary cutter. You'll probably evolve to something else but that will keep you going for ages. Hand and machine needles to fit your machine. LOTS of bobbins for your machine. Load 'em up and go. IMO, everything else is a bonus. You'll find what fits your preferences and needs as you go. Invest wisely. I'd also recommend a smallish ruler - 6 x 12 - for trimming. Make sure all of your rulers are of the same manufacturer. Size DOES matter. When you go ruler shopping, take a couple of different ones and place them on top of fabrics that you like. See what works for you as to color/lines, etc. Some people like flourescent colors, others don't. What works for you is what matters. Your tastes/needs will evolve over time. Don't jump on the 'new/improved' is better bandwagon until you find what works for you.

Before you start buying rulers check to see which ones are easiest for YOU to read by laying them on several colors of fabric. I started with some Olfa yellow rulers but had a hard time seeing the mark. Then I found the Nifty Notions Rulers by Kay England that ate pink and teal. The quarter marks are 1 color and the halves are the other. They worked much better for me.

I also like the TruCut Rulers with a similar color scheme. They have a ridge their special rotary cutter rides on so you don't have to worry about accurate cutting because the cutter is riding on the ruler. You can get their nonslip disks to stick on the underside of the ruler to help hold them in place while cutting.

Your going to love your adventure in quilting.

Thank you very much to you all for your warm welcome and helpful advice. I have now put together my shopping list to get me started.
Kind regards.

I know what you mean. I am a newbie too and seems like I am always going and picking up something new to use for quilting! I guess it also has to do with what you are working on at the moment. One thing I could not live without is my seam ripper. LOL :thumbup:

Definitely a self-healing mat, rotary cutter, good scissors and the rulers with the stickies on the back to keep them from shifting on your fabric.

Welcome to the board. I agree with the others, but would also like to include PATIENCE. You will need it.

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.

Welcome to the Board and happy quilting! You'll find it addictive if you haven't already....

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?

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.

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.

I agree completely.

The best thing you need is patience. Don't be too hard on yourself. We are all here to help and advise. Good luck on your journey.

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!

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!

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.