Resources

Sewing machine

• I piece my quilts on an Elna eXcellence 780+. This machine is a total work horse and includes 350 stitches, but I honestly rarely use anything other than the straight 1/4” seam stitch. I love the adjustable speed, but for the most part I’m always pedal to the metal ;-). I also have a new Infinity longarm quilting machine by Handi Quilter and let me tell you - it is a game changer!! I got to the point that quilting on my domestic machine just wasn’t fun for me with large quilts due to the time it took, pain in my shoulders/back, etc. I had been happy to “quilt by checkbook” as they say and pay a local longarm quilter, but having my own that works so well is a dream.

Needles

• I have found that Schmetz universal needles are the best and work in my Elna as well as other brands of machines I’ve had in the past. I like to purchase them in bulk (case of 100), but you can also purchase them in smaller quantities.

ThreaD

• My all time favorite thread for piecing is Aurifil 50 wt 100% cotton. It’s also a fantastic thread to use for quilting and comes in a beautiful array of colors. The colors I most often use (for piecing and quilting) are natural white (2021) and dove gray (2600), so I buy them in the larger cone size. If using the cone size, you may also need a cone holder and this Dritz model works great for me.

Straight Pins

• I know that pinning can sometimes be a pain and it may seem to slow you down, but I do use them to help keep my seams matched up and my fabric layers together while piecing. My all time favorite are the Dritz glass head pins because they are nice and sharp and the heads aren’t large, so they don’t get in the way while I sew.

Fabric Clips

• I have used the Dritz brand of fabric clips for years, but recently found a generic brand on Amazon for much cheaper and they work just as well! I mostly use these for hand binding and use straight pins for piecing my quilts, but these clips are also wonderful if making bags, etc. where you need to hold together thicker layers.

Scissors

• Shears - My choice for fabric scissors is the Gingher 8” Knife Edge Dressmaker Shears. The style linked isn’t the same design on the handles as mine, but they are the same scissors and cut beautifully through fabric.

• Small snips - There are two pair of small scissors that I use: (1) Fiskars Razor Edge Micro Tip Shears are always by my sewing machine to snip threads between chain piecing, etc. and (2) Elan 5” Embroidery Scissors stay in my hand binding kit.

Cutting Mats

• Self-healing - I have gone through a number of different cutting mats over the years, but this Creative Grids 24” x 36” mat is my new favorite. It is reversible, so it’s like having two mats in one, but my favorite side includes hash marks for 1/8” through 7/8” along the grid which is very helpful when cutting strips of fabric.

• Rotating - This circle cutting mat is perfect for trimming half square triangles, making it possible to rotate the mat itself and not your fabric.

Rotary Cutter

• The Olfa 45mm Splash rotary cutter is the one I use the most. Olfa has been the best brand of cutters that I’ve used and I also have them in other sizes, however I most often reach for the 45mm (and even have it in several colors now!).

Rulers

There are SO MANY to choose from, including specialty rulers for specific quilts, patterns, etc. Below are the basic rulers I use with almost every quilt I make.

• 6” x 24” - perfect for cutting width of fabric strips

• 6” x 12” - the most versatile for cutting pieces for your quilt blocks

• 3 1/2” x 18 1/2” - I have only recently purchased this ruler and find it very handy being smaller and easier to handle than the 6” x 24” size

• Square - you can get these in various sizes (including a value pack), but if you want to just purchase one - I suggest the 12 1/2” size because it will work for anything smaller as well

• Ruler Rack - this is a great way to store your rulers if you have table top space

Batting

• I mostly use Warm and White and purchase it by the 40 yard roll, however I do also love Quilter’s Dream Select batting.

Iron

• This is another tool where I have had many different brands/styles over the years and I have to say that my favorite has been the Reliable brand Velocity 200IR. It doesn’t appear that this style is available for purchase any longer, however there are newer models of the Velocity that also have great reviews.

Wool Pressing Mat

• This pressing mat is great for pressing your quilt blocks and helping to get your seams to lay nice and flat.

Starch

• I don’t always starch my fabric, but when I do my favorite options are Best Press and Flatter. I usually buy the scent free options because I have a sensitive nose, but most of my friends prefer the beautiful scents that they both offer.

Quilter’s Pocket Reference

I have a copy of this guide that was published in 1994, however it seems to be really pricey if you want to purchase an out of print copy now. I’ve located another (more recent) option that seems to contain much of the same info. in addition to some piecing instructions for 20 popular quilt blocks. These guides are very helpful when determining yardage needs, cutting charts, etc.