To experienced quilters -- what are the 10 most essential tools a beginner needs (besides sewing machine)?

Question

Any recommendations for the best beginning quilting book that you have actually used would be wonderful, too. I'm mainly interested in machine piecing and hand quilting. Thanks!

Answer 1

Tools you will need:

1) Rotary Cutter
2) Olfa Mat (or any other self-healing mat) 18" x 24" is a good size
3) Ruler- (Omnigrid is great) a 6" x 12" ruler is good
4) A good pair of fabric scissors to use only for cutting fabric. I use Fiskars
5) A good iron (for pressing when you are piecing)
6) Pins. Choose long, thin, sharp (dressmaker's) pins for piecing and appliqueing. They should also be rustproof.
7) Needles - sharps and betweens for quilting and applique
8) Quilt frame (for hand quilting)
9) Thread. Get the best you can find. For your stash, I recommend: white, tan, or medium gray cotton or cotton-covered polyester sewing thread. Polyester threads can cut cotton fibers.
Natural or off-white cotton or cotton-covered polyester quilting thread to use for hand quilting. Clear, transparent, nylon thread for machine quilting. The thread should be thin and soft, not stiff and wiry like fishing line.
10) A 1/4 foot for your sewing machine. This makes is so much easier to do 1/4 inch seems.


Books: Quilter's Complete Guide my Marianne Fons and Liz Porter 1993 Oxmoor House, Inc.

Quick and Easy Quiltmaking: 26 projects featuring speedy cutting and piecing methods by Mary Hickey, et. al. That Patchwork Place c. 1992

The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide from A to Z - Hundreds of Tips and Techniques fro Successful Quiltmaking by Ellen Pahl

Also- any books by Alex Anderson. She has a show on HGTV (or used ) called Simply Quilts. She has published books on hand quilting, piecing, etc. She is considered an expert in her field and her books are filled with easy to do projects and easy to understand instructions.

I highly recommend going to quilting classes at a local quilt shop or at a place like JoAnn's. The teachers know what they are doing and will be happy to show you how to do it the right way. I stated off on my own and ran into problems and became very discouraged. I started taking classes and my skill levels increased and I have completed many nice quilt projects since then.

Answer 2

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RE:
To experienced quilters -- what are the 10 most essential tools a beginner needs (besides sewing machine)?
Any recommendations for the best beginning quilting book that you have actually used would be wonderful, too. I'm mainly interested in machine piecing and hand quilting. Thanks!

Answer 3

I'm not an experienced quilter - but I am a beginning quilter who has just learned what I needed over time through experience and asking other quilters.

I would recommend: rotary cutter and one of those quilting T-bar rulers - FOR SURE. Then the usual chalk, pins, etc. Finally, I would recommend going to a speciality quilting shop (if you are in NYC area then I *highly* recommend - City Quilter Inc - 2.2 miles N - 133 W 25th St, New York, 10001 - [phone]. They have classes there, the most adorable fabrics, and the most knowledgable and helpful people there who can give you hands on advice for how to get started.

Answer 4

A machine and proper thread and a good SHARP pair of scissiors is all you need, (don't let anyone else use your good scissors for ANYTHING else!!!) but there are a LOT of tools to make the job easier.

I just started about a year ago, and am having a ball. As I progress, creating more complicated designs, I find a need for some ot those tools.

Don't go cheap on thread. The difference between a 50 cent and a three dollar spool is pennies a project. Especially in your machine, you can expect a lot of snarl delays using the cheap stuff.

Even one lesson, given cheap at the craft or hobby store may be worth the time an money. Learn a couple of basics and save a lot of discouraging frustration on your early projects.

I saw the rotary cutter and cutting board listed, along with a good straight edge. Great idea. Precise, accurate cuts make piecing much easier. Get the largest board you can afford and have room for.

Pins. Those with the glass or plastic beads on the end. Lots and lots of them. I tried with safety pins and plain straight pins. Learned my lesson on the first day.

Tailor's chalk, a light color and a darkone.

Good lighting, even for the simplest of patterns. Delicate piecing and applique may require a lamp with a magnifying lens.

Crochet rings may be helpful for any delicate work not done by machine.

I have been looking at those huge quilting frames with my mouth watering. I see someone using them on TV or in a craft store, and I can clearly see the advantage. But, OH MY, the cost. For me, the cost to benefit ratio does not yet justify the expense.

For me, this activity is more fun than beer. And I LIKE my beer!

Answer 5

First I would recommend not purchasing any books as of yet....go to your local library & check out quilting books, this way you can pick & choose the information from each that you want & you can either copy & file it or scan it to your computer for future reference.

If by some chance you discover a "must have" quilting book, then you can either buy one new, or if you are not opposed to used books, check out eBay, yahoo auctions, yahoo classsifeids or a yahoo group for books or quilting.

After reading & gathering info (like all the wonderful tips everyone has given here) you can then decide what the most essential tools are that you need.

A Yahoo Quilting Group would be a great tool, as there are expereinced quilters who are members as well as newbies like yourself. Many of these quilting groups sell, trade, exchange & round robin quilting material, patterns, etcetera.

Have fun on your new venture & Best Wishes!

Answer 6

Welcome to the world of quilting. You will soon find yourself to be totally addicted.

Ten best starting tools:
1. A cutting mat (start off with a 24" x 36" mat, I prefer the green Olfa mats)
2. A rotary cutter (45mm is a good starting cutter, my personal preference is the green handled Clover)
3. A small sharp scissor to snip threads
4. A quarter inch foot for your machine (is worth its weight in gold).
5. A 6" x 24" ruler (this is a very versitale ruler. As you progress you will find you will enjoy other size rulers. My favorite brand is by Omnigrid - the one with the yellow markings)
6. A stilletto. This helps to guide your fabric through your machine. It takes a little practice but worth the effort
7. Good sharp quilter's pins. These pins can run as much as $10 per box but are worth it.


I know you asked for 10 items but with the above noted tools you are off to a great start. As you become more proficient your will add to your stash of gadgets.

The best starter pattern is the Log Cabin. Look for the Log Cabin quilt book by Eleanor Burns. It has step by step instructions and color photos. This book also list tools and gives tips on how to quilt your finished top. The book sells for $24.95 and can be purchased from www.quiltinaday.com. Or go on Amazon. I think you will be happy starting with this quilt pattern.

Again good luck to you. Relax and have fun.

Answer 7

Well one the simplest type of quilt to do is a simple tied quilt and All you need to the material for the front and the back the batting for the middle and yarn to tie the quilt with, and your boards to attach the quilt too and dont forget the needle (one that has a big enough end to get the yarn through) Then I do it the easy way to avoid hand sticking the ends together I place the top and back face to face(so the sides you want to be on the outside) then lay down the batting on top. (this may look funny but trust me to works) Sew the edges together on the machine but leave a opening the pull the quilt right side out. the opening will depend on the size of the quilt. If you make it to small then your going to have trouble flipping the quilt and if you make it to big then your going to have more to hand stitch. Then once you have it flipped it right side out then then pin it to your boards and then start to tie the quilt.

I also sew up the opening on the machine by just sewing the edge really close to the edge of the material.

Answer 8

1. quilters thread
2. thimble.
3. large quilting hoop that will work with your sewing machine
4. pattern that is a simple one.
5. good cotton batting for quiltting.
6. 100% cotton backing materials and for the pattern itself
7. I use a round rolling blade scissors
8. A cutting board,
9. a yard stick
10. lots of loving patience.

Answer 9

I didnt see a Sailors Palm in there.
I am an Upholstere/Sailor and a Sail Palm is a piece of leather that covers your palm so ya dont stick yourself while working fast or with multiple layers that require some pressure.
Ya ever seen them curved needle, they look like a Cresent Moon, kinda but in assorted sizes they make for good runs.
the Marked Board is essential.
The Cutting Wheel is very handy.
A good pair of Shears, Weiss or somesuch long as they are good metal and hold an edge.
One of them little Dethreaders, or Twigging Tool, mistakes will happen and are easily reversed and repaired.
Only book I ever used was a pattern book, the rest my granny and my mom taught me.

Answer 10

Best Quilting Tools