Like any other craft, quilting requires at least some tools to make cutting and sewing tasks easier and more accurate. Which quilting tools do you really need and which tools can wait until you're more experienced? Visit a quilt shop or browse quilting stores online and you'll quickly discover an endless number of quilting tools, so many that beginning quilters often aren't sure where to start. Use this list and description of basic tools to help you decide which quilting tools are important and which tools can wait until you are more experienced and know a bit more about favorite methods and the best ways to accomplish them.
You'll be way ahead of the game if you learn how to rotary cut right away. It's a skill that lets you quick-piece your quilts, or at least cut the patchwork shapes you need very quickly and accurately. One of the first tools you'll need is a rotary cutter, and there are lots of variations to choose from.
They are available in a wide variety of styles so try to visit a local quilt shop where you can test drive a few rotary cutters to see which one feels best in your hand. Rotary mats protect the surface you cut on and the material they're made of keeps the cutter blade sharp. Transparent rotary rulers are used to grip the fabric so that you can cut more accurately. For home sewing, buy a 24" x 36" mat if possible, and if you have space remember that larger mats are a great choice. If you plan to take quilting classes, and can only buy one rotary mat to travel with, you can get by with a smaller version that's more portable.
Unless you plan to hand sew, you'll need a sewing machine. It doesn't have to be an expensive machine that sews tons of unusual stitches—most of your sewing will be a plain old straight stitch. Save the velvets, satins and other fancy fabrics for later, after you're accustomed to working with quilting cotton.
You can't go wrong with cotton made by manufacturers who cater to quilters—we're incredibly picky and they do what they can to please us. Buy what you need for the pattern you're making, but it won't be long before you're buying fabric for your stash. Don't skimp on fabrics, because quality, tightly woven cotton will extend the life of your quilts. There are thousands of shops online for those who do not have local selections.
Any iron and ironing board you already have will work just fine. If you don't own an iron, find one that's fairly heavy, because it's the combination of weight and heat that presses your quilting components.
We recommend the Rowenta iron. If you have to buy an ironing board, consider one specially made for quilters, like the Big Board. Its rectangular shape eliminates the narrow leg on one end, making it easier to press fabrics and quilt tops.
You'll need scissors for some quilting tasks. They don't have to be expensive scissors, but one pair should be reserved for fabric and the other for cutting paper, plastic and other crafting materials you might use at some point.
Cotton batting stays cool in summer but warm in winter, so is ideal for bedding. Polycotton blend batting is a great way to get the natural properties of cotton with the durability of polyester.
Aside from these popular options, other speciality battings are available. Heat-proof batting is great if you want to make oven gloves or a case for hair straighteners. Silk batting is very soft — perfect for a quilt top made from silk or any other delicate fabric. Wool batting has similar properties to cotton, although you might find it is a little more expensive.
Used along with a cutting mat, a rotary cutter is the quickest and easiest way to cut precise pieces of fabric. Buy the largest cutting mat you can afford, as this will enable you to make longer continuous cuts of fabric using a rotary cutter. Accurate measuring is essential when quilting, so make sure your tape measure is easy to read. Hand sewing needles are finer, and they make smaller stitches easier to achieve. Work with the highest number you can while still maintaining control over the needle.
Pro Tip: The smaller your needle is, the smaller the eye — meaning threading can be more difficult. Investing in a needle threader can help.
These needles are short but strong, giving quilters the ability to sew through the quilt top, batting and backing. Betweens are sharp and easy to manipulate. Sharps are long, thin needles that work best for handwork and needlework.
Click here to cancel reply. Remember me. Lost your password? Privacy Policy. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.
LOG IN. Search for:. Rotary Cutters and Replacement Blades The two most common rotary cutter sizes for general quilting have 45 mm and 60 mm blades. Acrylic Rulers With their see-through material and easy-to-read markings, acrylic rulers make measuring a breeze so you can accurately cut your fabric. Thread Many quilters sew with weight cotton or a poly-cotton blend of thread for basic piecing. Pins and a Pincushion Pins help quilters achieve accuracy in their piecing by keeping fabrics securely together for sewing.
Sign up for our newsletter.
0コメント