What tool would you recommend to other quilters?
 

I was thinking tonight that there is no way to be aware of all of the awesome tools for quilting. So I wanted to know what tool(s) you would recommend to someone? I mean something other than rotary cutters, regular rulers, etc.

For example, I love to use my June Tailor Shape Cut Plus ruler for cutting strips.

What do you think is great?

I have a Quilt Cut II, and I just love it! It has improved my accuracy in cutting many-fold, and I'm delighted that my blocks and points are matching up so much better now. If someone had told me about it, I'd have gotten it years ago!

I like a magnetic wand to pick up pins and needles that fall on the floor.

One of my favorite tools is a wooden skewer. I use it to hold the fabric as it slides under the walking foot. It's so handy for several jobs.

I have some silicone thimbles to keep my fingers safe when pressing small seams. Love them.

I never thought of this use. Will get the thimbles out for the next time.

Am currently working on a paper pieced star project, this site, and am so glad that I have the add a quarter ruler and a little cutting mat. The ruler makes it so easy to lineup the fabric pieces.

spray starch

Quilt In A Days triangle square up ruler and flying geese rulers.
Also a turning cutting mat.

Martelli cutting mats (including their rotating one)….So far superior to any other!! Makes cutting a breeze..

My favorite tool right now I was given by a friend at Christmas. It's an inexpensive pair of little spring loaded snips with bird beak like blades. I can grab it and snip threads without having to put my fingers in scissors.

I really like my Binding Tool by TQM Products Inc and rotating mat.

Clover Red Wonder clips and Quilter's Slidelock. My favorite tool of all is my Go die cut machine and dies.

My go and studio cuters.

My June Taylor Shape Cut ruler.

Kwik Klip.....it helps close pins if you are pin basting. I love this tool and now that I have it, I wouldn't be without it.

Oh yes I agree, wonder clips and Kwik Klip. Wonder clips are great for holding the binding in place as you sew it down
by machine. This way I can see the sewn seam and can sew the top seam on top of it. It makes a stitch in the ditch seam on the front of the quilt as I sew on the back.

Great suggestions! Keep them coming!

If my extending magnetic thingy was gone the whole family would miss it. Hubby uses it. My granddaughter thinks it's next to magic (she's 2 and a half). I may be wrong but I'd guess more than half of us use one.

I have one near my sewing machine--------does come in handy!

No other suggestions?

I used the Purple Thang instead of a Stiletto.
I also recently purchased a set of squaring rulers. Having a few different sizes makes it easier to square up blocks because the ruler size is either spot-on or not too large to maneuver. Before I only had the 15" one and it is a beast to handle.
Another new addition is the bendable LED light. I can shine right on the spot where I need it.

June tailor shape cut, clover binding clips (large and small, best press, I am sure there is more that I love as I have many rulers, I love gadgets

gotta have those clover binder makers [in diff sizes]; don't know how I ever lived w/o them!!! they're the best!

I want to add the electric ripper, Quick ripper and it's couterparts, have saved me a lot of tedious "unsewing" - and especially wonderful for paper piecing. I love my Olfa ergonomic 45m rotary cutter that auto closes when I'm not using it.

And (drum roll) my absolute favorite tool and a pure luxury is the Koala sewing cabinet! I could go on and on, but the convience of the drawers, the side stations that can be brought close - used for paper piecing cutting station on one side and an ironing station on the other and best of all, a flush surface for quilting.

Concerning the electric ripper or quick ripper....do these really work well? Have you ever had damage done to the fabric itself? thanks for responding or to anyone who knows this?

The electric rippers do work. No, I haven't had any damage to fabric. I would recommend the Creative Grids Quick Trim Ruler, the Sew E-Z Fingerthing, and Gummyworm Lights.

I have two favorites:

My Ott lamp - I have two Ott floor lamps that I bought when JoAnn's had them for 50% off. One sits next to me in the Family Room for when I do any EPP or quilt binding. The other one sits next to my sewing machine to give me more light while sewing.

Frixion marking pens - These are awesome. I have a set of 8 different colors. Any lines you draw on your fabric disappear when you press your pieces. I use them all the time.

Hi Gayle from Wisconsin! I love my little iron for opening up HSQ and other small pressing jobs. My regular iron is too heavy for me to use all of the time. Saves my poor shoulders.

http://www.amazon.com/SteamFast-SF-7...rds=small+iron

An oldie but a goodie ... my favorite piecing tool.

There was a short learning curve, but no damage. Once in a while I have to start with a regular seam ripper to open the seam to use my quick ripper. It cost me around $20, but has been well worth it.

i love the Fons and Porter half and square ruler. since i learned how to use it HST's are a SNAP with no trimming!

Electric seam ripper and Karen Buckley scissors (large and small sizes) are my favorites.