10 Things Worth the Money Quilting Edition
With so many quilting tools, notions, and sewing machines available, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth the investment. After years of designing quilt patterns and sewing projects, I’ve found that certain products truly make quilting easier, more accurate, or simply more enjoyable. This list includes ten quilting tools and supplies I use regularly and would happily purchase again.
Thought I would chime in on the 10 things worth the money trend that’s going around on social media right now. Here are ten things that I think are worth the money, quilting edition!
Before I start, let’s talk about what you do and don’t need to start quilting. You don’t need a big, expensive machine to start quilting. You just need something reliable that will sew a straight line. Big, expensive machines are fun, and I love sewing on them, but don’t be intimidated if you can’t start out with one of them.
Also, if you’re looking to save money quilting (and who isn’t?), be sure to check out our list of 8 Tips to Save Money While Quilting!
1 – Giant Quilt Rulers
I love these Creative Grids rulers for squaring up blocks or corners of unfinished quilts. I have a 12 1/2″ ruler to square up quilt blocks (since a lot of my patterns are made with 12″ blocks) and a 16 1/2″ ruler to square up the corners of quilts.
2 – High-Quality Quilting Cotton
You can’t beat the colors, finish, drape, and feel of good-quality fabric! Higher-quality fabrics have a tighter weave, and generally the colors are more colorfast, so your quilts will last longer!
3 – Fresh Rotary Blades
I try to make my blades last as long as I can, but there’s no greater feeling than trimming with a fresh rotary blade! I usually buy the Olfa blades, but I know a lot of people have had success with off-brand blades purchased on Amazon. I haven’t used them yet, so I can’t recommend them, but if you have, let me know!
4 – Proper Height Cutting Tables
I’m tall (5’ 9”), and having a surface to cut on so you don’t strain your back is worth it to me. If you are shorter or taller than your table, add casters or risers to get the right height for you! If you’ve been cutting at your kitchen table, try another taller surface; you may notice it’s much easier on you and your back!
5 – A Good Iron and Ironing Board
My sewing teacher in high school told me you should be ironing as much as you’re sewing, and I couldn’t agree more! Find an iron that you like and a sturdy ironing board. It’s worth it. I like the Oliso iron; I have friends with the Chi iron and love it too!
6 – Pre-Cut Fabric
I know that this can be a bit controversial; it seems you either love them or you hate them. For me, they save so much time and make projects so much more enjoyable. I know not everyone loves them, but I’ve grown to adore them.
7 – Long Arm Quilters
They are true artists and can breathe life into your quilt top. You don’t have to buy a long arm machine to get the benefits of edge-to-edge machine quilting. Many people do it as a business. You send them your quilt top, and they quilt it for you. If you can’t send your quilt out to a long arm, right now, you can quilt on your home machine. That’s how I did it for years, and I only sent out the really special quilts.
8 – A Well-Written Quilt Pattern
I love figuring out a quilt pattern or reading a tutorial online as much as the next person, but sometimes it’s worth paying for a well-written, researched, and edited quilt pattern. It’s nice to have somebody else do the math for you every once in a while, and most quilt patterns cost less than a fast food meal these days.
9- Classes, Memberships, and Kits
Anything that helps keep you motivated and excited to sew is great. If it’s a kit that does all the decision-making for you, or a class where you build your skills, investments in education and quilting are always a good idea, in my opinion.
10 – Non-Slip Rulers
As someone who has cut my finger quilting more than once, I can’t say enough for non-slip rulers (I like the Creative Grids ones best)! You still have to be careful, but a little grip makes a big difference!
Now tell me, what did I miss? Let me know in the comments section!
You May Also Like:
I have a package of rotary blades from Amazon. The biggest issue with the ones I received is how much oil is on them. To use them I dump them onto a tissue or paper towel and very carefully separate one, wipe it off and install it into my cutter.
I’m on the third one in the package. As far as cutting, they are not all consistent. So far, the first one and the third one seem to be lasting a normal amount of time, but the second one became dull right away.
I’m going to try to use these up and I will go back to Olfa. For someone who is trying to cut costs, I think they are okay.
Thanks for your feedback!!
I have three things I don’t sew without anymore: a wool pressing mat, a wooden clapper, and a 5-lb weight I put on top of my ruler to keep it in place when I’m cutting fabric. A pair of cut gloves can be useful, as well.
Along with non-slip rulers, one thing I’m convinced is good is a left hand cut proof glove. I sliced into my middle finger the same day I was in quilt store where a clerk was telling about cutting to the bone with a rotary blade. Immediately after I got the bleeding stopped, I ordered a set of cut proof gloves. It sits at the top of my drawer with the cutters.
I also second the need for small sharp scissors.
One last thing is a good task light. Even if the machine has good needle area lighting, there are times when you need to carefully see the whole picture.
I would like to know how to calculate the correct height for a cutting table.
Thank you.
I love the rulers made by Quilters Select. They have a nonskid coating on the back, and that makes cutting so much easier and accurate.
I would like to add 3 items to your list that I consider absolute must-haves. The largest and best cutting mat you have room for and can afford, a good natural light tabletop or clip-on task light, such as an OTT, and a sharp small scissors or snips for threads and hand sewing. In my home that is Fiskars micro tips. All 3 can be costly additions, but will save your eyes and reduce frustration. I have 2 more items that I would never part with, but they are certainly not necessary. They are a bobbin winder and my wool pressing mat.
I think you pretty much covered it all and I couldn’t agree more with you on a new, sharp rotary cutter blade.
Quilters should have the proper height surface for sewing. When you are sitting at your machine, your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle to the sewing bed of your machine. Sitting with the bed of the machine higher, or lower, can cause neck, back, and shoulder pain. I bought a sewing table and an adjustable height chair and I can sew longer now.