Essential Quilting Tools for Beginners

Perhaps  you are someone who has always admired quilts.   For example, you like the style, the designs, the fabrics, the colours, and the look.  Most importantly, you have always wanted to learn how to make one.  And so you finally take the plunge and sign up for a class.  Even better and more fun, you sign up with a like-minded friend.  However, what essential quilting tools for beginners will you need?  Don’t worry!  Help is here.  Most of the essential tools are pictured in the above photo.  

Primarily, you will need the following tools: 

–a 45mm rotary cutter

–a cutting mat (self-healing if possible

–a 6″ x 24″ acrylic see-through ruler

–a fabric scissors

–long, straight, sharp pins

–a seam ripper (even the most experienced quilter makes mistakes)

–an iron and ironing board or pressing mat

–fabric and wadding

Where to find these essentials:

This isn’t a long list.  In fact, you probably already have some of these quilting tools for beginners in your home without realising it!  For example, a fabric scissors, a seam ripper, an iron and an ironing board.  Indeed, you may even have long, straight, sharp pins. 

The other supplies are very easy to find at your local craft supply shop or sewing shop.  Granted, some of these tools can be expensive.  However, if you are completely certain that you would like to learn how to quilt, then the investment is worthwhile.  On the other hand, if you are simply “trying out” this craft, then you might want to share the cost with a friend.  That is, purchase one set of these essential tools for beginners between the two of you.  If you both eventually decide you would like to continue with quilting, then share the cost of a second set. 

“Quilting Daily” has a concise description of these quilting tools and their use in quilting.  

Finding most of the items in the above list of quilting tools is easy.  However, I think the most difficult is deciding on the fabric.  You will want to use 100% cotton fabric for your quilt top.  There’s lots of choice out there!  It can be daunting.  How do you decide on colours for your quilt?  A previous post on choosing colours for a quilt may help.