Basic Patchwork Quilting Tools To Getting Started

There are an endless number of patchwork quilting tools available, so many that beginning sewists aren’t sure which ones to buy first.

No worry. Here's a basic list of quilting tools that will get you off to a good start. If you sew as a hobby, the chances are you already have most of the essential tools.

You can complete the patchwork applique quilting kits with only these tools. No doubt.

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Dressmaking scissor – choose scissor that cut all the way through to the tip, as heavy as is comfortable (as weight aids cutting stability), and is angled with the handle raised upward.

Embroidery scissor - small, fine-pointed scissor is essential for precision snipping. You will use it a lot for cutting the fabric pieces of applique.

Paper scissor – get one pair scissor for cutting paper, plastic and other crafting materials you might use at some point.

Iron and ironing board – any iron and ironing board you already have will work just fine. If you don't own an iron, find one that's fairly heavy, because it's the combination of weight and heat that presses your quilting components.

Seam ripper – for unpicking seams. We all have to rip out seams once in a while. Depressing, but a fact of sewing life. Always replace dull seam rippers to prevent you from having to push too hard, which could result in slipping and tearing the fabric.

Sewing pins – you need two types of sewing pins. The long straight pins are needed to hold components together and the short pins are needed to hold the fabric pieces of applique.

Hand-sewing needle – start with a box of Clover needles like this. There are few types of needle inside this box, such as needles for piecing work, quilting and applique. You need very fine needle to sew applique.

For the sewist who owned a sewing machine. Although you will be mostly sewing by machine, there are times when hand sewing is unavoidable – such as when the sewing machine can’t reach the areas you need to stitch or when sewing on buttons, for example.

Thread – any cotton thread you already have will work just fine. If you don’t own any thread and planning to get some, let me share with you what I’m using.

•  FUJIX hand quilting/ hand-sewing thread – it is good quality all-purpose polyester thread. For ease of use and to make long-lasting items. But don’t use this thread in your sewing machine.

•  MIRO thread – highly recommended for applique sewing. It's very fine and make your applique stitches look "invisible". It also can use for sewing machine.

• Basting thread – to tack and hold components together. You’re going to use it a lot when doing quilting. You can choose not to buy basting thread for this purpose. You can just use any cheap thread that you have. Anyway, it’s going to remove after finished quilting.

You don't have to buy lots of different colors of thread -- either medium gray or tan usually blends with most fabrics. If you like, pick out a light and dark gray or tan spool too, just in case you need them.

Patchwork ruler – get a clear patchwork ruler which includes 30, 45 and 60 degree angle markings and also markings that help you to add seam allowance on your projects.

Hera marker – this useful tool makes an indent in your fabric from pressure only, so it’s perfect if your fabric is unsuitable for a disappearing marker. It is also great for pre-creasing fabric when making folds or pleats.

Chacopy tracing paper and tracer – chacopy tracing paper is like the carbon paper. It will transfer the pattern to the fabric after you trace the pattern on top of it with a tracer.

The marks that transfer from chacopy tracing paper will disappear once contact with water. Make sure the chacopy tracing paper that you buy is for fabric use. You are going to use it a lot when sewing applique.

Disappearing marker – this is my favourite type of marker because it is more precise than chalk. Make your marks as desired and they will disappear once contact with water or within 48 hours. Always do a test on a small swatch of fabric to check suitability first.

Bias tape maker – to create your own bias tape in minutes. You need the bias tape to bind the raw edges of project. Clover brand bias tape maker have five different sizes. You can get the red one with size 18mm first.

Clover magic button – it’s really a magic tool for me. It helps me to add the seam allowance for the pattern shape in minutes! There are four sizes of button(3mm, 5mm, 7mm and 10mm) in a packet.

Thimble – wear for protection on the finger that pushes the needle in sewing.

Cardboard – you need the cardboard to create template for your project’s pattern shape.

Pencil – one type of marker. Use it to mark at the wrong side of your work/ fabric.

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"Do I still need other patchwork quilting tools?"

No rush. The patchwork quilting tools stated above are enough for you to complete the patchwork applique quilting kits.

"When is the right time for me 
to buy in more advanced tools?"

You can wait until you’re more experienced. By that time, you will know which patchwork quilting tool that you need more. So you won’t buy the wrong tools and make expensive mistakes.