Every quilter needs tools—but which ones do you really need? In this episode, Brennen and Mindy take a look at the essential quilting tools, starter kits, and the gadgets that promise to make quilting easier. From rotary cutters and rulers to irons, seam rippers, and those mysterious tools we never actually use, we’re sharing what’s worth the money—and what might belong in the junk drawer.
Pumpkin Seed
Made with Pumpkin Charm Pack by The Pattern Basket
Tools
Cutting and Measuring
- Fabric Scissors/ Thread Snips – Small snips to cut loose threads evenly
- Rotary Cutter – A 45mm or 28mm wheel blade slices through multiple fabric layers fast and straight
- Self-Healing Mat – A large grid mat protects tables and keeps blades sharp during cuts with rotary cutter
- Clear Acrylic Ruler – A rectangular ruler is a great tool for measuring and being able to cut the Width of fabric.
Sewing and Assembly Tools
- Sewing Machine with a ¼” foot
- Quality Thread
- Quilting Pins and Wonder Clips – Long flat pins or plastic clips to hold our layered fabric together before sewing
- Seam Ripper (Jack the Ripper) – A sharp un-picker to fix the incredible mistakes we will make
- Bobbins – a small cylinder, spool, or spindle used to hold wound thread, yarn, wire, or tape
Most Common Thread Choices
- All-Purpose Thread – a strong mix of polyester-wrapped cotton that works well on most knit and woven clothes
- 100% Cotton Thread – a natural choice with little stretch, ideal for quilting and sewing 100% cotton fabrics
- Embroidery Thread – is made from a variety of fibers, rayon being the most popular due to its high sheen and affordability
- Quilting Thread – Generally thread is either cotton, polyester, or a blend of both
Pressing and Finishing Tools
- Iron
- Safety Pins, Basting Pins (curved safety pins), or Basting Spray
- Pressing Mat
Tools You Need to Have to Start Quilting
- Self-Healing Large Cutting Mat (at least 24” x 36”)
- Rotary Cutter
- Sewing Scissors
- Seam Ripper
- Pins and Wonder Clips
- Marking Tools – chalk pens or water-soluble pencils
Tools That are Nice to Have
- Walking Foot
- Light up Tools
- Upgraded Rotary Tool
- Rotating Cutting Mat
- Bias Tape Makers
- Project Bags
- Sewing Chair
- AccuQuilt
- Clip-on Sewing Rulers
- Cordless Electric Scissors
- Slotted Quilting Ruler (Stripology)
- Design Wall
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