Beginner's Guide to Quilting - UK (2020-02)

Chances are, if you’ve dabbled in a bit of
home sewing or textile crafts before, you’ll
already have a lot of the bits and bobs you
need for quilting. But, there are a few extra
tools that’ll really help to get your projects
off to a flying start. Here’s what you need...

Rotary cutter
Used along with a cutting mat, a rotary
cutter is the quickest and easiest way to cut
precise pieces of fabric. The blade is
extremely sharp so you’ll need to be
careful when using one, but the finish is
much neater than using scissors. They
come in a variety of sizes, but a 45mm
diameter blade will be most useful when
you’re starting out.

Cutting mat
Whether you’re working at the kitchen
table or on a dedicated craft desk, you’ll
want to protect it against the blade of
your rotary cutter. Buy the largest cutting
mat you can afford, as this will enable you
to make longer continuous cuts of fabric
using a rotary cutter.

Quilter’s ruler
Made from acrylic, quilter’s rulers are
tough enough to withstand the blade of a
rotary cutter. They’re available in many
shapes and sizes, but if you’re starting out,
opt for a 6½in x 24½in or 3in x 18in version.
You may also find it handy to buy a 6½in or
12½in square ruler for squaring up
patchwork blocks and quilts.

Tape measure
Accurate measuring is essential when
quilting, so make sure your tape measure is
easy to read. If you’re planning a large
project, such as a bedspread, then treat
yourself to a long tape measure!

Scissors

Two pairs of scissors may come in handy

in your quilting arsenal: dressmaking

scissors for cutting fabric, and a separate

pair of general household scissors for

cutting paper, card and thin plastic.

Don’t use dressmaking scissors for cutting

paper as this will quickly blunt the blades.

A small pair of embroidery scissors are

often useful too, as are pinking shears –

these create a zigzag edge as they cut

fabric and can stop your patchwork pieces

fraying. When you’re shopping for any

scissors, look for steel blades and

comfy-to-hold handles.

Seam ripper

If you need to unpick a seam or small area

of stitching, this tool is more precise and

much quicker than scissors.

Fabric markers

Lines and patterns can be marked out on

fabric with various tools. Tailor’s chalk is

best on dark fabric, while pencils come in a

range of colours and can be used on most

materials. You can also use water-soluble

(washable) or air-erasable marker pens.

Fabric glue

Adhesives are useful for holding fabric in

place before or during stitching, and can be

bought in liquid, stick or spray form. Many

quilters glue baste English Paper Pieces.

Pins

You’ll need to pin fabric together while

quilting, so make sure you have plenty

of pins. Choose ones that aren’t too thick,

and, if possible, have a selection of heads:

flat ones that can be passed under a sewing

machine, and heat-resistant ones for when

you’re pressing your fabric.

Stock up on a few essentials for your craft kit

and you’ll be quilting the days away in no time!

the quilter’s

tool kit

Needles

As well as needles for hand sewing,

you’ll need to make sure your sewing

machine has the right needle for quilting.

‘Sharps’ and ‘betweens’ are best for hand

sewing, while a ‘universal’ needle should do

the trick in your sewing machine.

Safety pins

Safety pins are useful when making your

‘quilt sandwich’, securing the top, batting

and backing in place before you sew them

together. Special curved safety pins for

quilting are available.

Thin card or

template plastic

You’ll need sheets of card or thin plastic for

templates for your patchwork shapes.

Freezer paper

It might have been created for

wrapping up food before it’s frozen, but

freezer paper is also ideal for templates and

appliqué. One side of the paper is slightly

waxy, so it can be ironed onto fabric where

it will stick temporarily, then peels off

without leaving any waxy residue.

Sewing machine

You’ll need a sewing machine for most

projects, or they’ll soon become very

time-consuming! Nearly all standard sewing

machines are suitable for quilting, appliqué

and patchwork. The most useful types offer

a variety of stitch lengths and can do zigzag

stitch too. See page 26 for more on how to

use a sewing machine.

Steam iron

It’s a good idea to iron fabrics before

you work with them, and finished projects

will benefit from being pressed.

steam iron

See page 31

for top tips

and tricks on

pressing fabrics

sewing

machine

See page 26 to learn

all the parts of

your sewing machine

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