Quilting Tools Every Beginner Needs

The essential cutting trio

Accurate cutting is the foundation of accurate piecing, and three tools do it together:

• Rotary cutter — like a pizza cutter for fabric; fast and precise.
• Self-healing cutting mat — protects your table and your blade.
• Acrylic quilting ruler — a wide, clear ruler you cut along. A 6½" × 24" is the most useful first size.

For piecing

To sew your pieces together you’ll want a sewing machine with a quarter-inch foot (the seam allowance quilters use), good cotton thread, a few pins or clips, and — crucially — a seam ripper for the inevitable “unsewing.”

For pressing

Quilters press a lot. An ordinary iron and board are perfect; pressing each seam as you go is one of the simplest habits that makes a finished quilt look crisp.

What you can skip for now

Specialty rulers, fancy feet and gadgets are lovely, but none are needed for your first quilt. Start simple, and add tools when a project actually calls for them. Come along to a class and you’re welcome to try ours before you buy.