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  • What is your "must have" quilting tool?

    Old 02-13-2015, 02:49 PM
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    Default What is your "must have" quilting tool?

    I've always used just the basics; scissors, needle, thread, seem ripper, etc. I make my templates out of poster board most of the time. I did receive a 60 degree ruler from a friend as a gift and I've used it several times. I have a cutting mat and rotary cutter. But, I'm not real happy with it. I'm wanting to branch out a little bit and pick up a few quilting tools. So, what would you suggest I get and what kind?
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    Old 02-13-2015, 02:55 PM
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    If all you have is a mat and the cutter, no wonder you are not happy with it. Get a latex ruler, maybe 3 x 18 or 6 x 24 inches, and use that on the mat with your cutter. There are many online videos that demonstrate how to use a rotary cutter and ruler. It's so much faster and more accurate than scissors!
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    Old 02-13-2015, 03:10 PM
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    I have a pair of scissors. I trim threads with it. Fabric is always cut on a mat with a 6x24 ruler and a large angled rotary cutter. Saves on the wrist. i have no idea how you would cut straight lines without this set up.

    As far as 'must have', groovy boards for my long arm. I now make them myself in my shop. I guess I have turned into a sophisticated quilter. tim in san jose
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    Old 02-13-2015, 04:33 PM
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    I think you are seriously hindering yourself by not buying a "few" templates and expanding your horizons......check MSQC the techniques along with the templates might interest you .....or Eleanor burns/quilt in a day........nothing extreme and "use only once" rulers, but things you will reach for regularly.....
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    Old 02-13-2015, 04:39 PM
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    I love my rotary cutter and cutting mat...and I love the creative grid rulers. It did take a while to get till I felt confident in my cutting, but now I don't dread cutting at all. I do prefer Olfa rotary cutters, though I have heard others like other styles but will use the olfa blades in them. I use the big rotary cutter at least 75% of the time. The big blades cost more but they last a lot longer. I have had two different white mats that I do not like...love the green mats by Olfa.

    And I love good, thin straight pins.

    I LOVE my Juki 98Q for piecing and freemotion quilting...but I think you are meaning the smaller accessories.
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    Old 02-13-2015, 05:17 PM
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    I love the june tailor shape cut plus for strips. I also like my 5x18 ruler. Creative grids is a good brand similar to the brand I use that has been discontinued. Those are the 2 rulers I use the most and then I have squares of several sizes for squaring up blocks. My fave rotary cutters are olfa. I have the 45mm splash and the 60mm quick change. Also have the 45mm gingher which I also love better than my ergonomic 45mm olfa. I still use june tailor mat but want to invest in a martelli because there mats are the nicest IMHO. Deb tucker makes nice specialty rulers but they are pricey. It really depends on what type of quilts you make. I also like the slidelock, got one for valentines, can't wait for it to come in, been wanting it for so long.
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    Old 02-13-2015, 05:28 PM
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    I think the gloves I wear when machine quilting really help me grip and move the fabric under the needle. I would recommend them.

    http://www.amazon.com/Fons-Porter-Ma.../dp/B000J3TWSY
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    Old 02-13-2015, 05:43 PM
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    Originally Posted by Dolphyngyrl
    I love the june tailor shape cut plus for strips. I also like my 5x18 ruler. Creative grids is a good brand similar to the brand I use that has been discontinued. Those are the 2 rulers I use the most and then I have squares of several sizes for squaring up blocks. My fave rotary cutters are olfa. I have the 45mm splash and the 60mm quick change. Also have the 45mm gingher which I also love better than my ergonomic 45mm olfa. I still use june tailor mat but want to invest in a martelli because there mats are the nicest IMHO. Deb tucker makes nice specialty rulers but they are pricey. It really depends on what type of quilts you make. I also like the slidelock, got one for valentines, can't wait for it to come in, been wanting it for so long.
    What is the slidelock and what does it do?
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    Old 02-13-2015, 05:48 PM
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    Clover extra thin piecing pins! Thin. You can sew and iron over them if you wanted (I don't), but they've improved my accuracy and I would be unable to start a project without them.
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    Old 02-13-2015, 05:49 PM
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    Tucker Trimmer 2- it's a ruler by Deb Tucker for squaring up blocks. I use it also to do hourglass blocks and half square triangles.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw7qi3uHUZg

    Last edited by berryberry; 02-13-2015 at 05:54 PM.
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