Quilting Supplies
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Quality quilting supplies are a must. If you’re serious about quilting, buy the best you can afford. In quilting, you're constantly cutting, pressing and sewing. Make sure your supplies are durable enough to handle the job.
For economical reasons (crazy gas prices) I do a lot of shopping on the web. Sometimes I find deals that are only available online. If you want to save time, gas and money, give it a try.
One more thing. I use rotary cutting tools throughout these lessons. But if you prefer to use scissors, go for it. I must tell you, though, that rotary cutting tools are faster and more accurate. If you'd like to see how rotary cutting works, please visit my rotary cutting how-to page.
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I started out with a basic sewing machine. Later, I bought a sewing machine for quilters. I was in heaven. It came with a ¼" foot and all the built-in quilting stitches I'd ever need. Can you say heaven?
Janome Sewing Machine
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Brighten your sewing space with natural lighting. I love my Ott lamp because it gives me the brightness of sunshine without the eyestrain and glare. A must-have for every quilter.
Ott-Lite Table Lamp
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A quality steam iron makes pressing a lot easier. If you don't already own one, or you're looking to upgrade, check out these helpful buying tips.
Sunbeam Iron with Stainless-Steel Soleplate
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Don't forget the small quilting supplies. You'll need size 11/75 quilting needles. Needles larger than this leave noticeable holes in your fabric.
Schmetz Quilt Machine Needles
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Quality thread makes the difference. Choose 100% cotton or cotton-wrapped polyester. Match thread color to the fabric you're sewing.
Gutermann Natural Cotton Thread
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This 12" X 18" pressing pad is unique. One side has a gridded pressing pad, and the other has a gridded cutting mat. This is one of my favorite quilting supplies.
Quilter's Cut'N Press
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You'll need a pair of dressmakers' scissors to start. If you buy the ergonomic bent-handle model, you'll experience less pain and strain on your hand. You'll also lesson your chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Fiskars Softgrip Bent Scissors
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I love these extra-long quilting pins. They're sharp and strong. And with the bright yellow heads, they're easy to see.
Fons Porter Curved Basting Pins
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If my magnetic pin holder falls off my table, I don't have to worry about pins scattering everywhere. If you have kids or pets, this is a must-have quilting supply.
Grabbit Pin Holder
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I prefer to use curved safety pins. They're easier to open and close than regular safety pins. So, you can baste your quilt layers together without getting sore fingers.
Fons Porter Curved Basting Pins
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Accurate measuring is essential in quilting. As the saying goes, "Measure twice and cut once." Make sure you have a couple of these in your sewing area.
Dritz Fiberglass Tape Measure
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Even seasoned quilters have to rip out unwanted stitches. Make sure you include a seam ripper or two in your quilting supplies.
Dritz Deluxe Seam Ripper
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In quilting, we sew 1/4" seam allowances. To ensure accurate seams, I use my 1/4" foot. If you don't have one, contact your dealer or use a generic foot.
1/4" Presser Foot
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The walking foot holds your quilt layers together and evenly feeds them through your machine.
Brother Walking/Even Feed Foot
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Once you've gathered your quilting supplies, you'll need a place to store them. I did some research, and I found these popular sewing organizers.
Marie Osmond Carry All Tote
