Never one to turn down a challenge, I’m participating in Cheryl Sleboda’s 31 Day Blog Writing Challenge and following a prompt each day to post a little something. (I put a link to her post down at the bottom–that’s where you can find all of the participants. Heck, you can join in, too, you can post on social media if you don’t have a blog.)
Day 4: Favorite Tools
It’s hard to pick favorite quilting tools. There are SO MANY tools to choose from! You’ve got attachments for your sewing machines, and special rulers–not just for cutting, but for quilting, too, and things that make free-motion quilting easier, and stuff that you’ll only use for paper piecing, and…and…and….
So let’s just stick to:
THE BASICS
These are some of the tools that I use and recommend to anyone who’ll listen. Not all of them are pictured, but that’s only because I didn’t plan the pics ahead and some of the tools are packed up for a bit of travel.
Making Marks
Best Non-Mechanical Pencil: There are a brands that I like, but Roxanne’s pencils are my first choice. These draw smoothly and don’t crumble.
Best Mechanical Pencil: Bohin makes my favorite. I like the fine line and plenty of color options.
Best Chalk Wheel: Chaco Liners come in a wide variety of colors. You do have to be aware that some of the colors will stain surfaces, but I’ve never had a problem with residue on fabric.
Best Non-marking: How do you define a marking tool that doesn’t make marks? The slim Hera marker “creases” your fabric, and you don’t have to worry about erasing it. I love it for marking straight lines for walking foot quilting. Bonus: the pointy end can be used as a stiletto in a pinch.
Best for Labels: I like archival Micron pens. You can find a variety of sizes and colors, and the ink stays set through the wash. Honestly, though, I almost always print labels on my home printer these days.
Side note: Did you know that you can sharpen a regular stick of chalk just like a pencil? It’s good in a pinch.
Holding It All Together
Best Pins for General Use: I like very fine pins with glass heads.
Best Pins for Foundation Paper Piecing: Look for pins with flat heads that won’t distort the paper.
Best Pins That Aren’t Pins: Why pin when you can clip? Some people prefer clips that have more tension, but I like the original Clover Wonder Clips.
Shedding Light on the Subject
Best Portable Light: I bought this neck light for reading in bed, but quickly realized it’s great for hand-sewing in my not-very-well-lit living room.
Best Desk Light: This lamp can be bent and aimed just about anywhere, and I don’t accidentally bump into it while I’m maneuvering my projects through the sewing machine. It’s also pretty easy to take along on retreats if necessary. Well worth every penny.
Deep Cuts
Best Rotary Cutter: I still like the Olfa ergonomic rotary cutter best for the safety lock.
Best Die Cutter: I use both an old AccuQuilt Studio and an AccuQuilt Go cutter, but I think the Go is probably a better investment for most quilters. The electric version is a good option for people with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other challenges.
Best Cutter for One-Off Appliqués: There’s a bit of a learning curve to using a Cricut Maker, but it’s fantastic for cutting out finicky pieces. Some communities offer the use of a Cricut or similar devices on loan, or you might be able to find a friend who has one you can borrow.
Best General Purpose Scissors: I swear by my Gingher dressmaker’s shears and embroidery snips. Take care of them and they’ll take care of you.
Best Appliqué Scissors: I have every available size of Karen Kay Buckley’s Perfect Scissors and can’t believe I waited as long as I did to try them.
Stitching By Hand
Best Needle Threader: I did a whole big post at Pretty Piney comparing different styles of needle threaders which is still available to read as I write this. Four years later, I still swear by the Clover Desk Needle Threader.
Best Needles: Clover Black Gold needles move through fabric like butter.
Check out these fun prompts!
Pop down to the comment section and tell me if I missed any of your favorite basic quilting tools!
