The number of quilting tools seems to be endless and the variety of the tools can be overwhelming. Beginning quilters may find it difficult to know exactly what tools should be on hand to get started. The following are seven essential tools that will have you quilting in no time. 1. Rotary cutting is a skill that will allow you to piece you quilt together quickly. You will need a rotary cutter for this and some practice. You should "test-drive" a few different ones at your local fabric shop and find out which one feels best to you. 2. You will need a rotary mat to keep the rotary cutter from damaging your work surface and they are made of a material that keeps the cutter sharp. Another helpful tool is a transparent ruler so that you can measure and see what you are cutting at the same time. 3. Hand sewing a quilt can be done, but it is quite the undertaking. You should use a sewing machine and it does not need to be expensive. Any machine that allows you to sew a 1/4 in. seam (the quilting standard) will do fine. 4. As a beginner, you should leave the fancy velvet and satin materials for when you are more proficient. Start with basic cotton fabrics; they are the easiest to work with. 5. Your iron and ironing board will be your best friends. You don't need anything extravagant, just so long as you have them. 6. You will need a durable fabric scissors and a paper scissors. Again, nothing fancy, just one for fabric and one for paper, plastic and other materials. Different colored handles can help you keep track. 7. You will need straight pins and sewing needles as well. Straight pins hold everything together and needles will help you sew areas that the machine just can't quit do.
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