People are always asking me about my favorite quilting products, so here is a list of the basics. These are actual items that you will find in my quilting space. I tend to find what works and stick with it. These are the daily tools that I use and feel good about using.
(Yes. . . these are affliate links. They don’t cost you any more to use, but I get a little kick back. Hey. . . a girl needs thread and cookies, right???)
CUTTING TOOLS
Olfa Safety Rotary Cutters– These are seriously the ONLY rotary cutters I use. I have not ever cut myself and more importantly, nobody else has accidentally gotten cut with one, because the blade is cov7ered when not in active use. PLEASE USE THESE!!!! I have them in both sizes.
Rotary Cutter Blades– I am kind of a cheapie on blades because I want to change them the moment I notice I am having to put extra pressure on the cutter.
The BEST Cutting Ruler- is Omni Grip’s 8.5″ by 24″ ruler. I love this thing. I broke the corner off my first one and bought a replacement but then couldn’t bear to throw the broken one away. I couldn’t find a link for this, but it really is my favorite. I use it with the
Self- Healing Cutting Mat– This is one place where you want to spend a little more money. Having a nice cutting mat matters. I like having a two-sided mat with two colors because it makes it easier to see. They do wear out but a nicer one will pay off in the long run. I have them in 18″ x 24″ which fits on my desk next to my sewing machine and I like the bigger ones of 24″ x 36″ when I am cutting larger pieces. If you have a HUGE space, it may be worth it to buy a BIG cutting mat. . . but it is important that you always keep heated items away from your cutting mat.
DO NOT IRON ON YOUR CUTTING MAT. EVER.
Gypsy Suction Cup Ruler Handle– I am sure the off brand ones would work, but I have had this for YEARS and it is PURPLE. I love this product because I feel safer when I use it.
Squaring Rulers– I use the 4.5″ and 6.5″ squares all the time. I don’t actually have the 2.5″ but if you make smaller units it would be helpful. These are one of those items that you don’t NEED but they sure make life easier.
Iron- I am perfectly fine using a cheap iron but I do NOT put water in it. This is the newer version of what I have used as my dry iron. I use spray starch, water, Flatter or my Quilter’s Moonshine when I am pressing. My hubs bought me a fancy Oliso for Christmas, but I can’t get used to it moving on its own.
Niagara Spray Starch- The old fashioned stuff is the best. I have a hard time finding this in the stores lately, so I buy it on Amazon. You can get 1 can or buy 6 cans and save a lot of money (and give them as Christmas gifts to your quilty friends..
Dritz Double Ended Marking Pen– This is seriously my favorite marking tool. I always have one close by and a couple new ones tucked away so I am never without one.
Fluffy Makeup Brush– This is how I clean out my sewing machine. I like using this much more than the stupid little brushes that often come with sewing machines.
Thread- There are LOTS of choices in this department. If you are piecing, you want to use 50wt or 60wt thread. 50wt is what most machines are tensioned to use but 60wt is a bit thinner and *MAY* make your seams more accurate. I have a couple of favorite brands of thread that I use:
Wonderfil- I like their 50wt Tutti cotton and the 60wt Efina threads for piecing.
Superior Threads- I like 50 wt Masterpiece.
Just a note: you do NOT need these threads in all colors for piecing. I generally use beige, light gray and medium/dark gray for piecing.
There are lots of gizmos and gadgets you can buy, but these are the things I use almost every day. Soon I will post my favorite longarm quilting items!