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New to quilting? Looking for a new hobby? Winter is a wonderful time to start quilting... all those days stuck indoors... making a warm quilt to cuddle with at night or stitching up heart warming gifts from the heart... how could you go wrong!
There's an overwhelming number of tools, trinkets, and accessories out there for quilters. If you're new to the hobby of quilting, it can be confusing and a little intimidating. I'm still overwhelmed sometimes and I've been doing this for a while. The truth is… you don't need a whole lot of fancy gizmos and gadgets to get started quilting.
Here's my list of essential items to get you started and one bonus tip if you feel like splurging.
1. Rotary Cutting Mat
I have a 18"x24", which is the size I have always had since I started. They make some that are bigger and some that are smaller, but you need one that can fit your fabric when folded in half or quarters.
2. Rotary Cutter
Rotary cutters come in all shapes and sizes. Get one that fits your budget and style. The important thing here is that the blade is sharp.
3. Plastic 3" or 6" Ruler (I like the 18" length)
This is your straight edge for cutting. Get one that has thick plastic to set your rotary cutter against and is wide enough so that you can keep your fingers out of the way and apply pressure when necessary.
4. Sewing Machine or Hand Needles
Quilting can be done with a machine or by hand, both the piecing and the quilting parts. While most people think of quilting as something you do with a machine, hand quilting can be very relaxing and will get you very similar results. For hand quilting you will need a package of hand quilting sharps (needles) or appliqué needles. For machine quilting you don't need a fancy machine… For piecing the quilt top all you need is a straight stitch… for quilting you will need to be able to lower or cover the feed dogs (those are the teeth that move the fabric along on the sewing machine). You don't have to spend an arm or a leg to get a basic machine.
5. Cotton Quilting Thread
Whether hand or machine quilting, you will need thread. A cotton thread in cream or white works well. Get a bigger spool or cone if you're planning on making a bigger quilt. It will save you a headache later.
6. Quilting Straight Pins
My personal philosophy is to use the least amount of pins possible, but then do come in handy at times. You don't need very many, one box will do.
7. Thread Scissors
while you don’t need fabric scissors (I rarely use fabric scissors when I’m quilting and the rotary cutter could and should be used instead), you do need a way to cut your thread after you finished sewing.
Bonus: Quality Fabric
Go to your local quilt shop and splurge on some quality cotton quilting fabric. Especially if this is your first quilt. The fabric quality makes a difference in your experience. I'm a person that is always looking for a good deal and have used some bargain fabrics in my quilts. The results: less than fantastic, the experience: frustrating. Starting off with quality fabric will give you a better experience and add enjoyment. They cut better, they sew better and they quilt better. Bonus… You're support a local business, too.
You can get nice fabric from Walmart, Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's, but for your first project ensure that you buy quality cotton quilter's fabric, even from those stores. Some of the thinner and cheaper fabrics they sell are a great bargain but are hard to work with, both for you and your machine. You may become disheartened by the results… For you first project get the nice stuff.
Now you’re ready to start quilting! Find a pattern you like and get started… Check out my shop or your local quilt shop.
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