I would like to know the list of tools i need to buy to start quilting.
I am new to quilting and i want to quilt for my grand daughter.

Rama, welcome to the world of quilting! Posting a list of tools will not be helpful if you don't know how and when to use them. My suggestion would be to take a beginers class at a local quilt shop. Those type classes allow you to borrow their tools for the class. If you are still interested in quilting after taking the class, and who wouldn't be, you can make a list of what you may need then. Some shops offer discounts during the class to the students, but you don't need to buy everything there or at once. Most of us use coupons and sales at JoAnn's. I would recommend purchasing a 1/4" foot for your sewing machine. If you have never pieced a quilt before this is one handy tool. In the beginning, this is the one area that most need help, maintaining a constant 1/4".
I would suggest that you don't skimp on the equiptment and tools you buy. A good quality rotary cutter that is curved, will feel better in your hand, less tiring and more accurate. Also, purchase the best quality fabric you can afford. If quilt shop fabric is too pricey for you and you can only afford JoAnn or Walmart fabric, some extra steps will aid in your success. Always prewash lesser quality fabric. The shrink rates will differ greatly. If you use a spray sizing when you press your yardage, it will handle better when cut.
I hope this is helpful for some quick ideas to get you started. You need to be aware that quilting is addictive, but so rewarding. Good luck to you and let us know what pattern you deside on. :D

When you purchase rulers, buy the same brand as there are many on the market. Some are not as accurate as others.
Your rotary cutter should be a 45mm.
Also, I would suggest you join a quilt guild. There are many folks in these groups who will help guide you. Guilds are also an avenue to workshops where you go and can get one-on-one teaching.
Welcome, new quilter. Blessings, Suzanne

Thank youy very much .I nave been stitching for 30 years but never attempted to make a quilt.Back in india it is not very popular.I am an art and craft teacher.I want to start quilting and popularise back home.I will be asking your advice often.I am very happy to have located your web site.Thanks a lot once again.

Rama, as far as tools go...I guarantee you'll want 'em all! My first purchases were 2 pairs of good scissors, one for fabric one for paper patterns (yes, templates! This was in the 70's) My hands were very sore by the time rotary cutters came along. I found both the 28 and 45 mm cutters great investments...a 45 mm rotary cutter is a must. A cutting mat that's self-healing will last you a good long time. 12x18 is a good useful size to start. A plastic quilter's cutting ruler that's got an accurate measure down to quarters and eighths of an inch is a must. 18" is a good length. 6" wide with angles marked on it is a plus. Your machine needs that 1/4" foot, like Boo advised. We're so lucky to have the Internet to get patterns from--you'll love the websites the quilters here have suggested. And you'll have all those beautiful cotton fabrics in India! How lucky is that?? :D

Thanks a ton.I will buy the tools as adviced by you.Can I use the rotary cutting mat to press or is there a special mat as cut and press.I am planning to buy a sewing machine.which do you suggest.Budget is below around 150 dollars.A christmas gift from my daughter.Can u suggest.

thank you very much.I will buy the necessary tools.

I have had two Singers, nothing fancy just basic machines and have never had a bit of trouble with them. My sister is using my grandmother's Singer that I know is nearly 50 years old and she's never had a problem .

Rama,
No, you cannot press on your cutting mat. There is one available which you can turn over to press, cut on the other. I think it is made by Harriet Hargrave. I think this style would be helpful if you are taking a class making you portable.
If you have been reading this forum, you will read about the storage of your mat. It should be stored flat away from heat and cold. Some of the ladies suggest hanging it with by a skirt hanger.
Just ask your questions here and we are eager to respond.
Blessings, Suzanne

I got a Brother which came with the 1/4 quilting foot and it wasn't very expensive

My eyesight isn't what it used to be. I was having trouble cutting my strip, so I went to the hardware store an had them cut me someplexi glas stips 2 1/2 inches wide and 3 inches wide. No more measuring with tired eyes. The best part they were cut from left over scraps so they didn charge me. Its been working great for me

I would like to cut templates.Iwant to know where I can buy the sheets and what are they called.Any specific name for the plastic sheet.

You can buy the sheets for making templets right at Wal Mart They have plain and the grids, they're about $4.00 a package

Rama, quilters are not complicated people, so the plastic for making templates is called a template sheet, or template plastic. :D I recomend the kind that has a smooth side and a frosted side. The frosted side doesn't slide on the fabric as easily while you are marking. Do not use your good sewing scissors to cut your templates. I keep an old pair handy for cutting paper and templates.

Also, if you make a curved template, use an emory board to smooth out the edges which often occurs with applique templates. If you can find Templar, it is worth the investment of you plan to iron an edge over the template. Use a medium/hot iron. Suzanne

Thanks a lot.

Rama, Are you in India? Do you have the resources that we are all recommending? If not, maybe we can help in other ways. Tell us about your situation. :D

Rama

Also let your friends and family know your a quilter, if they don't already. Because B'days and Christmas are a nice way to start building your quilting tools, and everyone usually wants to know what to buy you for a gift.

The cutting mat with the ironing board is great for classes, but I suggest you have separate ones to work on at home. I've heard the heat warms the mat.

Love the idea of the templates, ceann (and I have the same problem with the vision). I may look into that, myself. We have a glass shop not far from my house.

I am in chicago at present and iI am collecting all the items before I leave to India in feb.I already bought cut sand press mat also cutting mat.Thank you very much for the offer.I will surely ask if I want anything.By the by my daughter got me Glad blue color freezer paper.Will it work.

I got loy of quilting tools as gifts from my family.

Hi Rama, My favorite quilting tool is called a "Shape Cut". It is made by the June Tailor company. It is about a 16" square piece of plexiglass with slots every half inch. You put your rotary cutter in the slots and you can cut squares, rectangles, strips, hexagons, half square triangles and more. Because of its shape it does not tend to slip like a ruler does. I have had one of these for years and I show it to all the quilters who come into the store where I work. I love this tool. We sell them for around $36.00 in our store but I found the same thing at Walmart for about $17.00. this tool is worth it's weight in gold!

Hi again! I you are buying a sewing machine to take to India, make sure the power source can be switched to either a 120 or 220 voltage. I don't know what wattage they use there but you need to make sure you will be able to use machine if you buy it over here. I like the Pfaff machines and I work for a Pfaff dealer. One thing I wouldn't do is to buy a machine from a "big box" retailer. If there is a problem with the macine due to shipping or whatever there will be no one to help you and you'll end up at a dealer to get it fixed. In our area this will cost you about $60.00. That will negate any savings you might have had when buying the machine. If you buy a machine from a reputable dealer (no matter what brand you buy) they will "sew out" the machine for you before you take it out of the store. If they won't do that I wuoldn't buy a machine from them. Hopes this helps you uot.

I bought the shape cut at Walmart.thanks a lot.

Thank you Kim.I also thought of the voltage and I have dropped the idea of buying the machine here.I already have Fleetwood sewing machine.I will try quilting on that.If it does not work I will buy there itself.Your idea of after sale service will be there.

I have bought glad freezer paper .It is blue color.can it be used or only reynolds paper is good.

Are you talking about the plastic on rolls?,the stuff that is used to make like a makeup bag? Or is it more stiff like plexiglass? Thanks

It is plastic on rolls.Icould not find Reynolds freezer paper at cosco or walmart.where can I get.

I usually find the freezer paper on the bottom shel next to the heavy duty alumiun foil. Sometimes I have to look hard because the is similar to the foil. I get the big box with 150 feet.

In Which shop do I look for it

Wal Mart any groicery store has it. Just look near the foil

Rama

I got my freezer paper at the grocery store.

Rama, try any grocery store. Ask them where the freezer paper is, I'm sure they'll point you in the right direction!

I bought glad freezer paper.Will it work.In reynolds freezer paper ,Does it come in roll or sheets.Dominicks is close by.Can I get there.Also what spray do u suggest.

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