Must Haves??

[QuiltyMama]

I'm working on my Christmas wish list and I'm wondering what you'd say are your "must have" items. They don't have to be from M*, most of my gift givers shop from my Amazon list. I'm fairly new to quilting, so I don't have the experience to know what I "need."

Thanks!!

[Carlie Wolf]

Re: Must Haves??

Of course gift certificates to your favorite quilt shops are always good. If you're afraid some people might pick out fabrics that might not be in line with your thinking than listing batting, backings like if you use muslim often or a certain color is good. Think if there are any things like templates that you've been wanting to try. A rotary cutting matt or particular type of cutter if you need or want them. A particular ruler etc.

[seaturtle]

Re: Must Haves??

Good scissors http://kaiscissors.com
Good rotary cutter https://www.martellinotions.com
Thread http://www.connectingthreads.com or https://www.superiorthreads.com

[AMG]

Re: Must Haves??

A magnetic pin holder (or two or three - I always seem to reach for it where it isn't, lol)

A mid-size ish ruler - say 3x12 maybe? I have yet to find the "sweet spot" for me - some are too big for many thungs, some too small. You'll need to think about what you do most. I personally prefer Creative Grids rulers because they are clear with easy to read markings. I also think you can't have too many rulers; -)

Extra bobbins - I have lots of spare ones which makes it easier to load up multiples of whatever thread I'm using for a given project

Design wall - I have the Fons & Porter one that hangs. It's not ideal but it sure makes things easier till I can build one that fits my wall.

Extra rotary blades

Good quality rotating cutting mat - I have the Olfa one & I'm not 100% in love with it myself - but I may just need to get more used to it.

Washable marking pens/pencils

Small pair of embroidery scissors to snip wayward threads

Bobbin holder

I could go on & on, lol, but those are what came to mind quickly

[GuitarGramma]

Re: Must Haves??

You must have two rulers, a long one and a big one. The long one should be 24 inches long and either 6 or 6-1/2 wide. The big one should be at least 12-1/2 x 12-1/2". It's also nice to have a 6x6 or 6-1/2x6-1/2" ruler. I concur with Cindy and Carlie Wolf that a good cutting Matt and a good rotary cutter are important. I, like Cindy, love my Martelli cutter and mat, but they're on the pricey side. It's best to wait for one of Martelli's frequent half price sales.

Welcome to the forum, and may you always have plenty of quilts to keep you warm!

[Marta]

Re: Must Haves??

AMG's list is excellent. I would add a good chair for your sewing space. I just bought myself one that has adjustable hieghts and good back support. I had been using a kitchen chair with cushions piled on it. My back and shoulders love my new chair.

[LauraP]

Re: Must Haves??

for stocking stuffers
the clips that hold the thread and bobbin together are always nice
https://www.missouriquiltco.com/shop...th-thread-lock .
A nice pair of small scissors for cutting threads at the ironing board
an ironable ruler

https://www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/47505/clover/-/press-perfect-hot-ruler

a good set of screwdrivers

http://www.sewforless.com/item/Stitcher_s_Hardware_Tool_Kit_With_A_Feminine_Twist_/12676?gclid=CPHGqr_C7M8CFY-FaQodYYUJtQ

[midnightline]

Re: Must Haves??

Adding to the list:

If you plan on making half-square triangles (a very common unit), I recommend the following:
Quick Quarter II marking tool (automatically figures your seam allowances for you)
Bloc-Loc 6.5" ruler (for trimming those HST units)

Good lighting - I supplement the light in my sewing space with a desktop Ott Light

Pins - straight pins, and if you plan on quilting your quilt yourself, then those bent quilting safety pin things. (I prefer the ones with the coil on the end.)

Iron - While you don't need a super fancy iron starting out, make sure you have one you like. It should heat up well and evenly, and feel comfortable to use.

Spare needles for your sewing machine


Elmers washable school glue (not gel) for basting those curved seams

1/4 inch seam guide for your sewing machine

Storage/organization for your fabric

Also I'd like to put emphasis on the spare rotary blades. For starting out, you should probably go with a 45mm rotary cutter, as that's good for most applications

Lightweight fusible web (if doing applique)

A good seam ripper

[Carolyn]

Re: Must Haves??

Not sure what name they go by but a caddy that spins for your work table. I believe mine came from an office supply store. Great for keeping all kinds of things handy. Cutters, markers, pins, scissors,

[SuzyQue]

Re: Must Haves??

I would suggest you put together a basic list of needed tools. You have lots of good ideas already suggested. I would want to pick my own fabrics, unless you know of a kit you want. I often use gift giving occasions to kind of splurge and get what really want but am too frugal to get myself. I am fine if everyone goes together and I get something I really want!

[DeniseSm]

Re: Must Haves??

The best most productive thing I did this year was purchase the Panasonic Cordless Iron. I love this thing.

https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-NI-WL600-Multi-Directional-Stainless-Soleplate/dp/B00440EEIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477077626&sr=8-1&keywords=panasonic+cordless+iron

[quiltingaway]

Re: Must Haves??

To add to the items already listed - wonder clips and a Stripology ruler.

[grammaterry]

Re: Must Haves??

I received a set of Kai scissors that I didn't even know I needed and can't live with out now. The big ones are wonderful, the little ones are an absolute necessity now.
Of course, the rotary cutter (my favorite is 60" but I have a 45 with a pinking blade that is fun.
A good mat...I like my Olfa best but the Omnigrid is good and half the price...I'd get a 36" one.
I love my long ruler with the lip that fits over the edge of the mat. Stays in place while I'm cutting
I would definitely ask for sewing machine needles. Always need them on hand
Spools of thread...you can't believe how much thread it takes to make a quilt.
And wouldn't a big ol' roll of batting be special?

[jjkaiser]

Re: Must Haves??

Creative Grids ruler 12" square
Wonder Clips red, pkg of 50
Rotating cutting mat
Thread in white, off white, gray, black

[TMP]

Re: Must Haves??

cutting mat
good pair of scissors
rotary cutter and extra blades
extra bobbins and one of my favorite things a side winder bobbin thing ( I hate rethreading my machine every time I run out of bobbin thread)
needles for your machine
I use tons of white and off white thread
a brush to clean out the loose threads from your machine ( I use a make-up brush from Walmart)
red wonder clips