Basic Quilting Tools and Supplies

There are so many quilting tools out there—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed! Walk into any fabric store, and the aisles are packed with fun gadgets and must-haves. But when it comes down to it, a few basic tools will become your go-to favorites.

These are the tools you reach for every time you sew. They travel with you to retreats, sewing days, and quilt groups. They stay right by your machine, on your table, or within arm’s reach—always ready for action!

In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential quilting tools every beginner needs. You’ll learn what each tool is used for, why it matters, and how to choose the right ones for your projects.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build a solid foundation of supplies, this guide will help you feel confident and ready to sew!

Before diving into all the essential notions, let’s talk about why they matter. The right tools make quilting easier, more enjoyable, and give you better results. A sharp rotary cutter means clean, precise cuts. A good ruler keeps your measurements accurate. The right marking tools help you sew with confidence.

Having these basic notions on hand will save you time, reduce frustration, and help you create quilts you love. Now, let’s go over the must-have notions that every quilter should have in their toolkit!

I have come up with a list of my favorite tools. These are hidden from others and not shared often. I love, love them. And it shows.

• Rotary Cutter   The blades are very sharp and cut fabric quickly and accurately. The blade rolls, just  like a pizza cutter. There are many different sizes. I use the small-sized cutter most. It whips around curves like nobodies business, and is easy for me to grip. There are a few different kind of handles and blade sizes. Before purchasing one, I would suggestion giving them a try.
• A Self-healing Cutting Mat  allows you to use the rotary cutter for cutting fabric. Mats come in many different sizes, but an 18 x 24 mat is a good size to start with. Need to clean the mat you have? Here is a quick how-to to help you out. 
• Scissors  sharp sewing scissors are a must. Trying to cut with something that is less than sharp can only make your experience frustrating. Another thing to look for is the point of the scissor. When you are snipping corners or curves having this part of the scissor sharp, and pointy will be necessary. 
• Seam Ripper  I have had many, and have used them all. There is one in my travel kit, one in my sewing machine drawer, and one on the cutting table. I call them my ‘best friend’ because it helps me fix what is wrong…and really knows best!
• Fabric – we’ve hit this topic before. Keep with high quality fabric. Your projects turn out better, last longer and you won’t have problems with colors bleading or bad fabric weave.
• Thread  we’ve hit this topic before too. This is the one thing that is holding all your fabric together. Don’ skimp here. Use a few different brands until you find your favorite.
• Pins  the flower head pins are my favorite. They lay flat against the fabric and are kind of a heavier pin so they hold their place. Remove them prior to stitching the spot though to avoid breaking your needle.
• Pincushions –  these are you pins best friends. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Lots of sewers tend to collect pincushions and have them place stratically placed throughout the  house.
• Wonder Clips – these are right now my favorite thing! They are great for holding your binding on. They won’t stick you.
• Rulers  My favorite size is the 6″ X 12″, but I find that I use other shapes and sizes almost as much. Depending on the project that is being worked on, the ruler might change. I suggest trying out a few of your friends to find out which one is your favorite.

Additional Essential Tools:

• Seam Ripper: An indispensable tool for correcting mistakes, allowing quilters to remove stitches cleanly.
• Fabric Marking Tools: Pens or pencils designed for fabric to mark cutting lines or design placements.
• Hand Sewing Needles: Even if primarily machine quilting, certain tasks like binding or applique may require hand stitching.

Optional but Beneficial Tools:

• Wool Pressing Mat: Enhances the pressing process by retaining heat and providing a firm surface, leading to flatter seams. You can read more about wool pressing mats here.
• Tailor’s Clapper: A wooden tool that helps set seams crisply by absorbing moisture and heat when pressing.
• 1/4″ Presser Foot: Assists in achieving consistent 1/4″ seams, which are standard in quilting.
• Walking Foot: A sewing machine attachment that helps feed multiple layers of fabric evenly, useful in quilting and sewing through thick layers.

The Importance of Quality Materials

Fabric – Start with 100% cotton fabric. It’s easy to sew, presses well, and lasts longer in quilts. Lower-quality fabrics may fray, shrink, or fade quickly.

Thread – Use a good-quality cotton or polyester thread. Cheap thread can break easily, cause tension issues, and leave lint in your machine. A strong, smooth thread helps your quilt hold up over time.

Batting – Choose batting based on the feel and warmth you want. Cotton is soft and breathable, while polyester gives more loft. A quality batting will make quilting smoother and prevent lumps.

Needles – A sharp needle makes a difference! Replace them often so they don’t snag or skip stitches. Universal or quilting needles work best for piecing and quilting.

Scissors & Rotary Blades – Keep them sharp! Dull blades fray fabric and make cutting harder. A fresh blade means cleaner cuts and less frustration.

Starting with quality materials helps your quilt last longer and makes sewing easier. You’ll notice the difference!

Storage Solutions for Organizing Your Sewing Room

Organizing your sewing room is pretty important! The better you know where things are in your sewing room – the more you’ll actually use what you bought. When your notions go hiding. The fabric is in piles and you can’t tell what you really have, putting things away and having a process for organizing really does help. You can find more help on organizing as well as a whole series on the blog.

Having the right tools makes quilting easier and more enjoyable. You don’t need every gadget out there—just a few essentials to get started.

Over time, you’ll figure out what works best for you and add to your collection as needed. The key is to have reliable tools that help you cut, sew, and press with ease. With these basics in place, you’re ready to start your next project with confidence.

More Quilting Resources:

• Buying supplies from thrift stores to save money
• How long does it take to finish a quilt
• Creative ways to use your fabric stash
• How to clean fabric after water damage

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