One aspect of most craft work that is inescapable is the fact that you will need some equipment, tools, and supplies.
And anyone working with fabric and thread needs, at the very least, fabric and thread! However, in order to create quilts or textile art, you’ll also need something to cut it with, and something to put it all together with!
Walk into any quilting supply store and you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed at the vast array of things available. Nevertheless, I’m a great believer in keeping costs under control and only buying what I really need.
Of course, many tools do, indeed, make your quilting life easier. My suggestion is to begin with a small selection of essential equipment. As your skills develop, you’ll be well-placed to make informed decisions when deciding on other supplies.
Probably the best two pieces of advice I can offer are:
- Begin with the essential basics.
- Buy the best quality tools you can afford. With care, they will last a lifetime.
Below, you’ll find a list of recommended equipment. Everything listed here is something I use and recommend. ***Note: The sewing machines listed are not the exact models I have, but are reputable brands that I have used and loved.
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Recommended Reading
- Setting up your machine for free motion stitching
- Free motion stitching on a domestic sewing machine
- Which free motion foot?
- The best sewing scissors for quilting and thread sketching
Recommended Equipment
Olfa Self-healing Cutting Mat 24×36″
This large self-healing cutting mat is an essential for every sewing room. Protect your furniture and your rotary cutter blades.
Olfa Rotary Cutter (basic) 45 mm blade
I’ve used this basic rotary cutter for years — trouble free! Just replace the blade when it’s worn and you’ll get a lifetime of service from this essential tool.
Olfa Deluxe Rotary Cutter 60 mm
For a more ergonomic design and touch of class, this deluxe rotary cutter is easy on the hands and has a larger 60 mm blade.
Fiskars Razor-edge Soft grip Scissors 8″
I absolutely love these scissors. And Fiskars is a brand you can rely on to last for many, many years—totally trouble free.
Fiskars Micro-tip Scissors
Fiskars are (once again) my top pick when it comes to micro-tip, spring loaded scissors. These are wonderful for fussy cutting, and I love the cheerful orange grips!
Gingher Stork Embroidery Scissors 3.5″
These tiny embroidery scissors complete my trio of favorite scissors. Perfect for using when doing embroidery, and great if you’re on the road and don’t want to carry too much.
Olfa Essential Quilting Ruler 6 x 24″
Quilting rulers come in all shapes and sizes, but this basic ruler is my favorite.
Janome Memory Craft Sewing and Quilting Machine
Janome’s Memory Craft range of sewing and quilting machines are long-standing favorites. This one is a beauty. Great value for the price!
Brother PQ 1500SL Sewing and Quilting Machine
Both Brother and Janome are my ‘go to’ brands when it comes to sewing machines. This Brother beauty offers a ton of options, without the hefty price tag.
Metal Open-toe Freemotion Quilting and Embroidery Hopping Foot
Anyone doing freemotion stitching needs an open-toe foot. This versatile foot suits Brother, Singer, and Janome domestic sewing machines.
Sunbeam Steammaster Iron
Everyone needs a quality iron that doesn’t drip or leave dirty smudges on your fabric. I’ve used Sunbeam irons for years, and absolutely love them. If you have a friend with a mucky, yucky, old iron, surprise them with one of these!
Embroidery Hoops – 6 pack
There are times when every free motion stitcher or thread sketcher needs an embroidery hoop when working by machine. This pack of 6 different sizes offers a complete selection you can use with your domestic sewing machine.
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