Top 10 Quilting Essentials
Recently, a friend who is new to sewing and quilting asked me what I would recommend as the top 10 essential supplies she needed to have. I came up with a list that Noah and I shared on an episode of our podcast, but I also wanted to provide it in written form with links to the specific things we talked about. (Some of these are affiliate links, but they are all the things I personally use and truly recommend.) For more details about these items and why you need them, be sure to listen to the podcast on your favorite streaming platform, or even better, watch it on YouTube!
What are the Top 10 Quilting Essentials?
1. Rotary Cutter
This tool is like a pizza cutter, but for fabric! It allows for easier, more precise cutting than scissors, and can cut through multiple layers of fabric at a time. Rotary cutters are available in multiple sizes – the most common is 45mm, but you can also find them in 28mm (mini) and 60mm (large). The blade is replaceable, so as soon as it stops giving crisp, clean cuts, you’ll want to change it out for a new one.
2. Cutting Mat (self-healing)
This mat is necessary for protecting your work surface when you use a rotary cutter. You can find cutting mats in many sizes, and even rotating ones. I recommend getting the biggest one that will fit on your table. These mats also have grids and measuring guides on them to help with your cutting.
3. Cutting Ruler (and holder)
Quilting rulers are made from acrylic and come in different shapes and sizes to help you cut your fabric into the pieces you need for any project. I recommend having a large one (6”x24”), a large square (12”x12”), and a small square. You may also want to consider getting a ruler holder to help store and organize your rulers, like the one available in our shop!
4. Fabric Scissors
These sharp scissors are meant for cutting nothing but fabric and thread. Using them to cut paper or other surfaces will cause dullness and damage.
5. Long, flat-head pins
Because in quilting, we hold multiple layers together, longer pins are helpful. The flat heads are heat-resistant, which is helpful in case you happen to iron over one. I like Magic Pins, which come in a variety of styles.
6. Quilting Clips
These clips are a must-have for binding. You use them to hold the edges of the binding to the edges of your quilt sandwich. They are quicker and easier to use than pins, and can also be used for any part of your project that’s tricky to pin traditionally.
7. Basting Pins
These look like safety pins and are used to temporarily hold the three layers of a quilt sandwich together during the quilting process. Some folks use a basting spray, but I choose not to because of the chemicals and the way the spray can gum up your needle.
8. Point Turner
This nifty little tool pokes out the points after trimming and turning for pillow corners, bags, etc. You can find our favorite one in the Amy Latta Creations shop.
9. Heat-Erasable Pen
This pen marks lines for sewing, cutting, and tracing, then erases completely when you apply heat from an iron.
10. Good Iron
I have a separate iron for my clothing and my sewing/quilting. You never want to use steam on your quilt projects, so this way your iron will always stay dry. My favorite is the Oliso “magic iron,” which automatically raises and lowers with the pressure of your hand.
Bonus: The Binding Tool
This tool is the biggest help when joining the ends of your binding!
Make sure to check out our other podcast episodes for helpful tips and tricks, interesting info, and creative conversation!
Free Quilting Patterns and Projects
Check out these fun and free project ideas to get you started!
