I sometimes get caught up in “shiny object syndrome” (okay maybe a lot…) but I think I am getting better at not giving in. I agree that new gadgets that promise ease and simplicity are very enticing but take it from me that you just need a few good quality, basic tools to get started quilting or sewing. If you are anything like me you are interested in many, many crafts and you want ALL the things to go with the new craft but space, money and time get in the way. It’s amazing when the new shiny craft overlaps with another one you are already interested in but I know, and you know that doesn’t always happen so we have to make sure we keep it reasonable wink wink. Soooo my point is that I want to make it easy for you when the quilting bug strikes. When it does you will know the list of supplies you need without breaking the bank or having to rent a storage unit across town. Let’s get to it!
When learning to quilt there are stages you go through to complete the quilt. You will start with choosing a quilt pattern, and gather fabric and supplies. You will create the quilt top, then baste your quilt (sandwich the layers), quilt your layers (attach the three layers with thread), make your binding strips, label, and finally attach the binding strips to finish your quilt! Some of the supplies will transfer to multiple stages but I provided a basic list for each stage that you will need to create your quilt. These quilting supplies are also a great place to start when learning to sew in general. Sewing and quilting are one of those magical hobbies that overlap! At Elevation Handmade we have craft courses available like our Quilting 101 course that you can purchase here if you enjoy learning with video tutorials and guides that take you step-by-step through the entire process. Or if you are like me and love a ton of different crafts you can gain access to all of our courses plus many other project tutorials inside The Makers Club!
Supplies: Quilt top
- Quilt pattern There are lots of different places to buy quilt patterns but this is a good place to start to see the different pattern designers and what style you like.
- Brother sewing machine
- Sewing machine needle 80/12
- Aurafil thread dove
- Pins
- Iron or Mini iron I use my mini iron more than my regular sized iron.
- Wool ironing mat If you already have an ironing board, use that it will work great. It turns out that I don’t iron so I never had an iron or an ironing mat until I started quilting 🫣so I chose to get a mat that I could take and use in different spots I sew.
- Self healing mat
- Fiskar rotary cutter
- Omnigrid ruler 6.5” x 24”
- Fabric scissors
- Seam ripper
- Fabric (backing fabric, fabric for the front, binding fabric) you will refer to you quilt pattern for this. An online fabric store I like is called Fat Quarter Shop or you can try your local hobby lobby, or local quilt shop if you have one.
Supplies: Basting
Supplies: Quilting
There are many ways to quilt including using your own sewing machine, having someone quilt it for you using a long arm machine, you can hand quilt (my personal favorite), and hand tying (another favorite of mine).
- Brother sewing machine
- Walking foot This sometimes comes with your sewing machine so double check you don’t already have one.
- Quilting gloves These are not required but they help with neck and shoulder strain while quilting on your sewing machine.
Make the binding strips
- You will use the cutting supplies you have used in the quilt top section.
Supplies: Quilt label
Supplies: Attaching the binding
Commonly Asked Questions:
What are the basic tools you need to start quilting?
For a quick overview you will need a sewing machine, fabric, batting, thread, pins, a rotary cutter and mat, rulers, and a seam ripper.
What is the best fabric to use for a quilt?
Quilting cotton is best to start with and then you can experiment with other fabric as you gain experience.
What is the easiest quilt to make for a beginner?
The easiest quilt to make is a simple square or rectangle quilt using large pieces of fabric sometimes called whole-cloth quilts, or a patchwork quilt with charm squares or even a four-patch block.
This list of quilting supplies and notions would make great gifts for quilters or someone who loves to sew. These supplies will all work great for quilting but also for a variety of sewing projects. Quilting is a rewarding and creative journey, and having the right tools can make all the difference, especially when you’re just starting. By sticking to the basics and avoiding the temptation of “shiny object syndrome,” you’ll be able to build a solid foundation of supplies and notions without feeling overwhelmed or breaking the bank. Whether you’re working through your first quilt or exploring new sewing projects, these essential tools will serve you well. If you’re ready to dive deeper, consider joining The Makers Club for access to even more quilting resources and courses to help you grow your skills. Happy quilting!
