Get quilting!
Patchwork newbies, look no further! Kim Smith Soper has pulled together this nifty list of all the essentials you'll need to make your first ever quilt
I can still remember the excitement I used to feel as a kid, receiving the list of supplies that I would need for the
new school year. The anticipation! Even if we’re not kids anymore, back-to-school season is still an awesome time to take on challenges and learn new skills. Consider the below your back-toschool supply shopping list covering all the basic tools that you will need to make your first quilt (or to encourage a friend to get started). With these tools at your side, you will surely be set up for success!
ROTARY CUTTER/ FABRIC SCISSORS
While a rotary cutter isn’t necessarily required, it does make cutting fabric into accurate pieces a cinch! Alternatively, if you are going to opt for a scissor for cutting fabric, make sure it is sharp and used only for fabric – dull blades will resist cutting and can lead to pulls and snags.
SELF-HEALING CUTTING MAT
If you are only going to invest in one self-healing cutting mat, I’d recommend you to go big or go home. My favourite is a 24in x 36in mat that covers a large surface and makes cutting yardage and fat quarters with your rotary cutter a breeze. However, if space is limited, an 18in x 24in mat will also work just as well.
ACRYLIC RULER
A clear acrylic ruler is absolutely perfect for making easy fabric cuts on your self-healing mat. Bonus points for a ruler with no-skid grips on the back.
IRON AND IRONING MAT
A basic iron and ironing pad will do the trick. If you’re looking to invest for the future, a wool pressing mat is a nice luxury but not a necessity.
SEWING MACHINE
Now, of course, you could always make your first quilt by sewing entirely by hand – but it will take much longer. A simple sewing machine with a straight stitch is all you need to get started.
And there are lots of great affordable options for simple models from respected brands in the industry.
FABRIC FOR FRONT AND BACK
Options abound. You can purchase quilting cotton, use old clothes or take scraps from a quilter who would probably LOVE to gift some to you.
As you get to know yourself as a quilter, you will determine the additional tools that might support your creative practice. But most of the time, this list will be all you need to make any cosy quilt!
Investing in quality thread will make the experience of making a quilt much more enjoyable. Be sure to purchase a thread that works best with your sewing machine and in the appropriate weight for your fabric. If hand piecing, you will want to select a thread that is sturdy, yet smooth enough to glide easily through your fabric.
Sewing machine needles can break or become dull, so it’s always best to have a few backups on hand. It’s also important to have some needles for hand-stitching in case you want to bury some threads or hand-stitch a binding.
Because, try as we might, mistakes do still happen sometimes!
Once your quilt top is finished, it’s time to make your quilt sandwich. You will need a layer of batting in between the pieced front and the backing fabric. Battings come in different varieties (such as cotton, polyester and bamboo) and in different lofts (which will affect how fluffy your finished quilt appears). You will need enough batting to cover the backing of your quilt (which should be a few inches larger than your quilt top in all directions).
Regular safety pins will work just fine for your basting. But if you’re willing to splurge, curved safety pins will make the job easier – and when it comes to basting, that’s a huge plus!
These basics will get you through the process of making many quilts. As you get to know yourself as a quilter, you will determine the additional tools that might support your creative practice. But most of the time, this supply list will be all that you need to make any cosy quilt!