Basic tools for quilters
“Must Have” Tools for Quilters

1. Rotary Cutter
The rotary cutter is one of the most useful tools invented in the last 30 years.  It looks and works somewhat like a pizza cutter allowing the quilter to cut through several thicknesses of fabric at once with precision, due to the razor sharp blade.  The rotary cutter comes in a variety of sizes with blades from 18 mm to 60 mm in diameter. There are a number of brands of rotary cutters.  Olfa and Fiskars are the most commonly used cutters and they now offer ergonomic models. The blades can be sharpened periodically to increase their lifespan.

The 45 mm rotary cutter is my favorite as it can comfortably cut through 6 layers of fabric.  It costs approximately $20 – $30.

More information on Rotary Cutters and How to Use Them.

2.  Cutting Mat
The cutting mat (or cutting board) is self-healing and is placed under the fabrics while they are cut using the rotary cutter.  One side of the mat displays a measured grid, while the other side is plain, but both sides can be used for cutting. This mat is a necessary tool to preserve the sharpness of the rotary blade and to protect the cutting table.

Cutting mats cost approximately $25.  Cutting mats come is several colors.  The original cutting mat was made by Olfa and is green on both sides.  Other manufacturers now make mats that are one color on top and a lighter color on the bottom.  Grey and burgundy are common colors for the tops and the bottoms are usually a version of white or beige.  I find that the grey or burgundy cutting mats are preferable simply because they have a light and dark side, although I prefer the texture of the green Olfa cutting mat.  It is easier to cut the darker fabrics on the light side of the mat and vice versa.  Green and blue fabrics are frequently used in quilts and I find that it is harder to see exactly where to cut when using a green cutting mat.

3.  Clear, Acrylic Quilter’s Ruler
A clear, acrylic ruler measuring 6″ x 24″ is needed in order to cut full width strips from fabrics. Several manufacturers make these rulers but be sure to get one that has markings as small as 1/8″ since this is a common measurement in quilting. It costs about $18.

Note – These three tools can be purchased separately or in packaged sets, and often they are on sale at your local fabric store.  Of course, prices vary greatly depending on where you live.

4.  Straight Pins
Straight pins are necessary in order to maintain the precision required in making a quilt.  I recommend that you invest in “quilting pins” which are longer and thinner than regular straight pins used for other projects.

5.  Scissors
You need sharp scissors to be used only for fabric and a second pair to be used for paper and general purposes. Make sure your fabric scissors are comfortable to hold. Don’t worry about cutting through freezer paper or smaller pieces of paper with your fabric scissors from time to time.  Today’s paper is not made with sand and grit as in the past, so supposedly, it will not really harm your fabric scissors.  However, I subscribe to the “better safe than sorry” philosophy and suggest that you keep your fabric scissors strictly for cutting fabric, when at all possible.  Optional, but very helpful is a small pair of scissors to be used for cutting threads.

6.  Seam Ripper
A seam ripper is something that must be part of every sewing basket.  No matter how skilled you are as a sewer, I have never known a quilt to be made without the help of a trusty seam ripper.

7.  Small Square Acrylic Ruler
(Optional – but you really do need this one – kind of an oxymoron that one !)  The first tool that I would encourage you to buy after the above 6 mandatory tools is a small, clear, square ruler measuring 6″ x 6″ or 6 1/2″ x 6 1/2″.  I tell students in my quilting classes that this tool is their new best friend in quilting.  Often you are required to cut small patches and this tool is so handy.

Not really tools but …

8.  Fabric ~ 100 % Cotton
Although it may be a stretch to think of fabric as a tool, it is a necessity in making a quilt. Good quality fabric, preferably 100% cotton is what most quilters use. If you are going to invest many, many hours in creating an heirloom, you don’t want it to fall apart in the first washing. That old cliché “you get what you pay for” rings true here. So, if you want to pay less for your fabric, wait until your local quilt shop has a sale.  Then you have the best of both worlds.

Cotton is preferable over polyester or a polyester blend for several reasons, the main one being that cotton holds a press and polyester, which is meant to be a wrinkle free fabric, does not hold a press well.  More in this article on Quilters Preference – Cotton vs Polyester

9. Thread ~ 100% Cotton
Good quality thread, preferably 100% cotton. Do not make the mistake of buying cheap thread for your quilting project.  This thread breaks easily and does not feed smoothly through your sewing machine.  Polyester thread will remain its original color while cotton thread will fade over time along with the cotton fabric in your quilt, which is the look you want.

Optional tools, but very helpful…

10.  Quarter Inch Quilter’s Foot
A quarter inch quilter’s foot may or may not come with your sewing machine.  If it does not, it can be purchased separately for a cost of approximately $14 to $40 depending on the brand of your sewing machine.

11. Safety Pins
Hundreds of safety pins if you plan to baste your quilt by pinning rather than basting threads.  Buy good quality pins that are made of nickel so that the pins do not rust over time.

• Allied Services Agent
  This position involves packaging, displays, security, insurance, bookkeeping, selling to jewelry stores, and related duties.
• Artist Jeweler
  The option requires independence and hard work.
• Caster
  A caster can form a service company or seek employment.
• Computer Operator
  Many aspects of the casting of jewelry are now computer-driven.
• Craft Jewelry Maker
  Craft jewelry is hand-made. The jewelry often is marketed through craft fairs, galleries, small shops, and/or the Internet with a line of hand-made, one-of-a-kind, or limited edition pieces.
• Custom/Special Order Jeweler
  This position includes both employed and self-employed people who work directly with the public or within a shop. Custom jewelers interact directly with customers and create one-of-a-kind work for them.
• Designer
  Someone who designs jewelry through computer renderings, drawings, models, wax, etc. A designer be employed by a company or may be self employed. The designer doesn’t have to make jewelry, but does need to understand how it is made.
• Diamond Dealer
  This is a specialized field, requiring good connections.
• Sales Agent
  A sales agent represents manufacturer(s) lines to jewelry stores.
• Engraver
  Hand engraving, gun engraving, and laser engraving are all options for this specialized service work.
• Fashion Jeweler
  This is a person who designs and makes jewelry and accessories tailored for seasonal fashion trends. In many cases, the materials costs need not be high, although this type of jeweler must be keep pace with the fashion industry and change styles frequently.
• Gemologist/Appraiser
  This is usually an employed position, although independent service work is also possible. Training and equipment costs can be high.
• Goldsmith
  A goldsmith can work with any material and usually possesses a broad range of abilities. Goldsmiths can be independent or may be employed by stores or galleries.
• Knife Maker/Cutler/Bladesmith
  This trade is learned from smithing or knifemaking groups or masters. The rate of return on the investment can be high.
• Lapidary
  A lapidary can cut cabochons, facet stones, or carve gems. Employment can range from recutting to creating unique items. Diamond cutting is a specialized lapidary field that requires intensive training.
• Manufacturer
  This includes anything from small production runs to mass production. A manufacturer may perform service work for others or may create one’s own line.
• Model Maker
  This is a type of a goldsmith who specializes in making original metal models. It’s usually an employed position.
• Photographer
  Photographing jewelry and gems requires specializes skills and can require expensive equipment. Some employed opportunities exist, but most photographers work freelance.
• Plater
  This is an employed or service position that requires relatively little training.
• Polisher
  This is usually an employed or independent service position.
• Production Bench Worker
  This is a goldsmith who specializes in production work.
• Production Manager
  Significant experience in the trade is usually required for this position.
• Repair Person
  This can be a great way to start gaining jewelry and business skills. Repair work can be an employed or independent service position.
• Rubber Mold Maker
  This is usually a factory employed position, although there is room for independent service or mail-in service work.
• Sales Staff
  Sales staff is employed by jewelry stores, with pay ranging from low to good, depending on the store. This can be a good position for learning the business of running a jewelry store.
• Shop Manager
  A shop manager often has worked up from a sales staff position.
• Silversmith
  This is a position similar to that of a goldsmith, although it is more often associated with holloware and cutlery.
• Stone Dealer
  A stone dealer can be employed by and represent a company, although there are independent dealers also. Extensive travel and excellent communication skills are required.
• Stonesetter
  This is a secure employed or service position for a store, group of stores, or goldsmith.
• Store Owner/Manager
  This retail position requires business skills and hard work, but the returns can be significant.
• Teacher
  Teachers/instructors are employed by schools and shops, with options ranging from full time employment to independent work.
• Watchmaker
  This is a specialized field, since most watches are now quartz and require only minimal skills to change batteries. Lucrative opportunities exist for a skilled watchmaker.
• Wax Carver
  This is a specialist career requiring few tools. A wax carver may be employed, do freelance work, or work on commissioned pieces.
• Writer
  Most of the opportunities are for freelance work, but there are also editorial positions.

USING WOOD

1. Make house signs

2. Make walking canes

3. Refinish old-fashioned children’s desks

4. Mass-produce quality chopping blocks

5. Make wicker baskets

6. Hand-carve picture frames

7. Make wooden greeting cards

8. Specialize in creating quality doll palaces

9. Build miniature furniture for dollhouses and adult
collectors

10. Create decorative birdhouses

USING CLOTH AND NATURAL FIBERS

11. Knit personalized sweaters

12. Specialize in batik wearing apparel

13. Tie-dyeing

14. Make old-fashioned quilts

15. Make quilts that tell a story

16. Sell macrame products from home, a shop, or mail order

17. Custom rugmaking

18. Create doll clothes and restore old dolls

19. Create unique ethnic and character dolls

20. Produce custom-made sandals

21. Make personalized leather snap-on bracelets

FROM GOURDS

22. Create eating and drinking utensils from gourds

23. Make lamps with gourds

24. Make gourd planters

25. Make gourd totem poles

26. Create gourd creatures

27. Create birdhouses from gourds

FROM MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS

28. Make face masks

29. Make copper cameos from photographs

30. Make babies’ hand plaques

31. Make dolls with faces similar to their owners

32. Moulding and casting faces

33. Dry flowers

34. Make book-safes: hollowed-out books for hiding valuables

35. Make personalized coffee mugs

36. Make jewelry from beads or seashells

37. Make bulletin boards

38. Embellish and redecorate household products

39. Make salt and pepper shakers from cow horns

40. Make custom wastebaskets

41. Create miniature replicas of antiques out of wood or ivory

42. Crate giant replicas of small insects

43. Decorate decanter stoppers with small clay caricatures of
people

44. Offer natural tattooing with sun stencils

45. Make ceramic plaques of newborn infants’ foot or hand
prints

46. Make lamps from wine jugs, seashells, etched metal, rocks,
transparent plastic, etc 47. Make money from mobiles

48. Make mosaics to decorate functional items

49. Make ceramic lawn decorations

50. Manufacture sundials

51. Make costume jewelry

52. Make weather vanes

53. Make unusual products from seashells

54. Manufacture terrariums

55. Make and sell bottled boats

56. Tint and sell pussy willows

57. Decorate penny match boxes

58. Make bottle gardens

59. Create novelty bottles

60. Manufacture stained glass windows

61. Make sculpture candles

62. Gift wrapping service

SELLING

63. Operate a crafts marketplace

64. Operate a crafts consignment shop

65. Become a sales agent for handicrafts

66. Sell handicrafts at fairs

Many of the firms which used to (and still do) print from films, have now updated their systems and offer digital photography printing services which are simplicity themselves to use.

Imagine having your prints delivered to your door without you ever leaving home – what a time saver.

Visit any of the numerous companies vying for your business and take a look round – you’ll be amazed how easy the whole process is from submitting your photos to choosing delivery options.

If it’s your first time, check several sites for cost comparisons and make sure you compare like for like before making your final choice.

Many companies will offer free online photo albums where you can share your photos with friends and family – these are very useful and a way of being sure you never lose a favourite photo due to your pc crashing.

The process usually involves setting up an account, then uploading your images directly from your pc. Once uploaded you can sort and discard your images, or even crop them to get rid of annoying shadows or extraneous clutter.

You then select what size you want them printed at. A big innovation here that you may not be aware of is that you can choose to have each picture printed at a different size if you want to instead of having them all done at a standard 6 x 4. This means that choice photos can be enlarged straight away.

What all this means is that you only pay to have photos printed that you know you like and look good. Over time this will be a huge money saver.

Other extras on offer which are worth considering are:

Photo mugs (now dishwasher safe)
Mouse mats
Jigsaws
Paperback books
Calendars
Jewelry
Watches

These make fabulous presents and keepsakes so what are you waiting for?