The Best Quilting Supplies
As a practice that's as fun as it is useful, it's no wonder quilting stood the test of time. But before you can embark on your quilting journey, you'll need some basic quilting supplies. From rotary cutters to precision fabric scissors, a quilting supply kit contains everything you need to get things started off on the right foot. We've rounded up a couple of the best products on the market to help you begin.
What To Look For
Successful quilting requires a multi-pronged approach and a variety of tools. Though every quilter has their own preferences for the implements they use, there are still a few common qualities that any quilting supplies worth your money should share. Namely, these supplies should be durable, effective, and affordable. With these factors in mind, we feel that Medoga’s quilting supply kit is the best product we’ve found. This expansive set contains virtually everything you need to start quilting. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a high-quality specialized item, Fiskars’ fabric scissors should definitely pique your interest. These lauded scissors feature an ergonomic handle to help prevent blisters and a convenient spring-action design that makes cutting through thicker fabrics a piece of cake. Read on to hear more about the rest of our favorites.
Medoga Quilting Supply Kit
All in one
Quilting can be an intimidating hobby to start because of how many accessories are needed. Thankfully, Medoga’s quilting supply kit is a one-stop shop for all the essentials. This kit contains helpful items such as two fabric scissors, one rotary cutter, a self-healing cutting mat, and multiple rulers for measurement. We also appreciate the fact that Medoga offers eight backup blades for the rotary cutter. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this comprehensive kit is bound to contain something useful for you.
Pros:
- Also includes sewing needles
- The scissors have a durable weightiness to them
Cons:
- The cutting mat is a bit small
Worklion PVC Cutting Mat
Safety first
Quilting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, but all the fabric snipping and patch cutting can cause some unsightly abrasions on your tables. Worklion’s PVC cutting mat covers a large surface area, granting you the space to work on larger projects. We’re also big fans of the self-healing finish on this mat that prevents minor scratches and marks from becoming permanent. Any time you work with sharp objects, such as the instruments necessitated by quilting, it’s a good idea to have protective gear like this mat.
Pros:
- Durable five-layer PVC construction
- Has measurement markers on both sides
Cons:
- The thick construction makes it a bit difficult to store and travel with
Olfa Rotary Cutter
Precision quilting
Rotary cutters like this one from Olfa allow you to make detailed cuts in multiple types of fabric and maneuver the blade precisely. With an ergonomic handle and a steel alloy rotary blade, Olfa’s cutter can provide a steady grip and fine cuts. We also appreciate the straightforward blade system that makes it easy to replace used blades. The squeeze-trigger function on the handle only reveals the blade when squeezed, making for a savvy design solution to help prevent injuries.
Pros:
- A dual-action safety lock helps prevent accidents
- Blades can be easily replaced if needed
Cons:
- The blades can dull quickly
Creative Grids Mini Quilt Ruler
Made for measurements
One of the most important aspects of the quilting process is measurement. Until you have a reliable and easy-to-use ruler, you can’t even think about getting started. Luckily, Creative Grids’ mini quilt ruler offers a compact measurement solution to help you keep the numbers straight. At just about the size of printer paper, this mini ruler is much more versatile for traveling and storage than larger alternatives.
Pros:
- The durable acrylic construction can take a beating
- Features a grid for making steady cuts
Cons:
- The small size might turn off folks who are looking to work on large projects
Fiskars Fabric Scissors
Snip then snuggle
Quilting can be tricky, but without fabric scissors, it would be next to impossible. Specialized to help you make even cuts through various types of materials, fabric scissors are an essential component of any usable quilting kit, and these from Fiskars are perhaps the best on the market. Thanks to their weighty construction, these scissors tend to have very few issues cutting through dense fabrics such as denim or polyester. What’s more, the spring-action opening mechanism can take a lot of stress off your hand during long cuts.
Pros:
- The slide lock can keep the scissors closed in storage
- Large stainless steel blades make long fabric cuts with every pass
Cons:
- The slide lock can become loose over time
Frequently Asked Questions
What fabrics do people tend to use while quilting?
What’s unique about quilting is that it encourages diverse fabric blending and patchwork. At the heart of it, quilting has a comparable creative spirit to collage. A single quilt can bring together denim, linen, polyester, and others in surprisingly harmonious fashion. This ethos of repurposing and reusing leads many quilt-makers to use as many fabrics as possible in their work.
I know how to crochet and knit — does this mean I also know how to quilt?
No, because all three of those techniques are largely dissimilar to one another. Being an expert in knitting does not mean you know how to crochet, and knowing how to crochet definitely does not mean you can automatically quilt. Each technique takes time, practice, and patience to implement correctly.
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