More Quilting Tools

8) Cotton ThreadIf you have been sewing for awhile just about every thread you currently have will notwork for your quilting projects. Since most of them are a polyester or polyester blend they can cut the cotton fabric of your quilt.

I strongly suggest using cotton thread with your quilts. I usually have 2 different main colors I work with as I assemble my quilts, either medium gray or light tan. Black thread if I am creating something very dark. These colors usually blend with most fabrics. I usually use Star thread by Clark and Coats and can get fairly large spools fairly inexpensively. If you plan to hand quilt, use Perle cotton quilting thread. But don't use hand quilting thread in your sewing machine!

9) Seam Ripper

Yes, you will need a seam ripper. It’s an essential part of the quilting tools list. We quilters hate to rip out seams, but it’s just a part of quilting life. I am pretty lucky, my hubby usually does this for me. In fact, at some of the quilting classes we have nicknamed him “ripper boy”. Sometimes you put something together and want to change it. Sometimes you put the wrong piece together with another piece and want to change it. Sometimes you want to make something smaller. It doesn’t matter why you’re ripping out seams, but get one, you will definitely need it.

I have a couple of them. My hubby likes the one with almost no handle to speak of and a very curved blade. I like the one with a larger handle and less of a curve. You will have to try different ones to see which one you like. They are very inexpensive and a great tool.

10) Cotton Quilting Fabrics

Cotton quilting fabric is wonderful. Save the velvets, satins and other fancy fabrics for later, after you're accustomed to working with quilting cottons.

To save money, only buy what you need for the pattern you're making. It won't be long before you're buying fabric you couldn’t leave the store without owning. Don't skimp on fabrics, because quality, tightly woven cottons will extend the life of your quilts. You will soon develop a feel for fabric quality.

11) Design Wall

Design wall is an expensive sounding name that describes a very simple tool--a place to tack up your quilt blocks and other components so that you can step back and look at them singly or together. One or two large pieces of white flannel or batting work just fine. Stick pin the flannel or batting to the wall and place your fabric block on the flannel or batting and viola! It sticks.

If you are following patterns, you don’t need a design wall for awhile, but once you start to create your own blocks you will definitely want to get this set up. Until then, you can use your floor. Just place a sheet on the floor first to protect your quilt from pet hair or dust.

If you would like to invest in ready-made design walls, there are a few varieties you might want to know about. There is one that is really large and remains stationary. There is another that can fold up so you can take it with you when you travel.

There are tons of tools out there. It’s just another one of the many items that you can stare at for hours. It’s best to start simple. Remember, as you take a classes, the instructor will advise you of any additional quilting tools you might need. For now get the basics and get quilting!

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