A Few of My Favorite Things; Gift Ideas for Quilters
Are you looking for a gift for a quilter? I’ve curated a list of some of my favorite gift ideas for quilters! Each of these items is something I own, use, and love! These are great gift ideas for quilters and people who love to sew!
Every year, I get emails asking for suggestions for gift ideas for quilters. Many of you are quilters looking for gifts for “quilty” friends. But many of you are new here and just looking for something to buy a loved one who loves to quilt.
If you’re not a quilter, all of the “jargon” can seem a bit overwhelming, and buying a gift for someone who quilts might seem daunting.
After years of intending to do this, FINALLY, this year, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas for people who love to quilt.
While some experienced quilters may already have some of these supplies, most will not be upset about replacing a well-used item. Beginning quilters will appreciate having more tools to add to their ever-growing supply!
The list is broken down by tools, storage, and other fun stuff!
A note about shopping: I’ve linked to the items online because I know many of you do not live near a quilt shop to shop in person. I’ve personally ordered from all of these stores. If you live near a quilt shop, take this list in with you; the employees will be happy to help you and share their knowledge!
If you’re a quilter and received a gift you loved that is not on this list, please let me know in the comments section so that others can benefit from the knowledge!
Gifts Ideas for Quilters: Tools
1. Trimming Tools
Most quilters have a trusty ruler and rotary cutter. However, many may not have a smaller ruler for trimming quilt blocks or a smaller rotary cutter. I like to use a smaller rotary cutter when trimming half-square triangle blocks.
Also, these small yellow scissors are my MUST-have quilting item. They are perfect for snipping threads and clipping seams. I have three pairs stashed in various parts of my sewing room!
- Small Scissors
- Small Rotary Cutter
- Smaller Quilt Ruler for Trimming (I like this ONE and this ONE)
2. Walking Foot
A walking foot is a sewing machine attachment used to sew multiple layers of fabric together (e.g., machine quilting fabric and batting).
These are MACHINE specific, so you’ll need to know the make and model of their sewing machine. They are a bigger purchase and, therefore, one that someone may appreciate receiving as a gift.
To shop, check with a local sewing machine dealer or the brand-specific machine website.
3. Bloc Loc Rulers
These rulers have a groove that snugs up to a diagonal seam in a half-square triangle quilt block. If that sentence completely lost you, don’t worry—your quilty friend will understand! They are one of the most used items in my sewing room.
I use them in conjunction with my rotating cutting mat. This mat rotates, making trimming easy since you don’t have to pick up your fabric piece between cuts.
4. Diagonal Seam Tape
The perfect stocking stuffer for a quilter! (it’s the black and red tape on my sewing machine)
This tape contains measurements at 1/4″ increments. You tape it to your machine (it’s removable), and it helps you sew 1/4″ seams accurately. Also, do NOT order the knock-off version – the measurements are incorrect. Get the one made by Alison Harris of Cluck Cluck Sew.
5. Oliso Mini Iron and Wool Pressing Mat
Quilting requires a lot of pressing. It can get tiring if you have to stand up and sit down each time you need to press a seam. I like to have a small pressing station close to my sewing machine. I use it to press the “in-between” seams when constructing quilt blocks.
The wool cutting mat absorbs the heat from the iron and directs it back to the fabric, making for more efficient pressing.
NOTE: I still use a heat-absorbent pressing mat under my wool mat to keep my cutting mat from warping from the heat.
6. Wood Clapper
A Quilters Clapper is used to flatten seams after pressing. After the seam has been pressed, the clapper is placed on it and holds the fabric flat as it cools.
7. Square Up Ruler Set
After you create a quilt block, you need to square it up and trim it to size. Having a ruler the same size as your quilt block is very helpful. This set of rulers will allow you to square up pieces from 2 1/2″ x 6 1/2″.
8. Binding Clips
These clips are designed to hold the binding in place when binding a quilt, but they are also useful for many other things! Note: There are many brands around and many knockoffs. I prefer to stick with the Clover brand binding clips.
Gift Ideas for Quilters: Storage & Organization
1. Mini Vaccum
I use this little vacuum daily to clean up lint and threads around my sewing machine and table.
2. Disposable Waste Bags
I got these bags as a gift from Riley Blake, and I love them! You tape them to your sewing table and use them for stray threads. Then, when you’re done, throw them away (they are biodegradable). Note: Double-check that the adhesive will be removed easily from your table before you use it.
3. Liberty of London Sewing Box or Pincushion
I love Liberty of London! I’ll take anything they make gladly! The company is beloved by many quilters. They make all kinds of fun gifts and notions. This sewing box is one of my favorites. Also, check out their line of pincushions.
4. Small Toolbox
I have two of these small toolboxes next to my sewing machine. They have a top panel for things I need to grab quickly and drawers for storing other items. They also come in a lot of fun colors!
5. Design Boards
I use a set of these design boards to organize quilt blocks that I’m working on. I also use them to keep cut pieces of fabric for a quilt block together as I move them from my cutting board to the machine to the pressing mat.
Gift Ideas for Quilters: Fun Stuff
1. Quilter Stickers
People love stickers, and they make great additions to larger gifts! We have a few different varieties available in our shop!
2. Needleminders
A needle minder is a magnetic tool used to hold needles when hand sewing. It “minds” the needle and helps you avoid losing it (eek!). So many cute designs are available; it’s easy to pick one that your recipient will love.
3. Quilters T-Shirts
There are many quilty T-shirt brands out there, but Maker Valley has always been one of my favorites.
Their designs are unique, and their tees and sweatshirts are top-quality!
Gift Ideas for Quilters: Stocking Stuffers
Are you still looking for something “extra?” Here’s a list of useful items that make great stocking stuffers or small gifts for quilters!
- Clover Point to Point Turner
- Flower Head Pins
- Ergonomic Seam Ripper
- Nice Seam Ripper
- Magnetic Pin Dish
- Glue Pen
- Replacement Rotary Blades
- Thread (quilters are constantly running out)!
I hope you find something helpful on this list! If we missed anything, let me know!
