We all have our favorite tools we use when quilting ….. some we cannot live without and some that are useful, but we’d survive if we didn’t have it. Some tools are traditional ones that you buy in a quilt shop …. and some tools are things from your home that you use … even if quilting and sewing is not what it is intended for.
Of course, we all have our mats, rotary cutters and favorite scissors. I’m talking about those tools that make some quilting tasks easier (or make them seem so!).
If you look at my patterns, you’ll see I love scrappy and lots of small pieces.
One of my favorite pieces to use in a quilt block is a half-square triangle square. I used to make them, press them open and then trim all four sides of the square to make sure it measures the size I want.
Well, this cool tool is called the Triangle Square-up Ruler by Quilt in a Day®
This tool makes the squaring up task easier by allowing you to trim the squares before you press them open. You only have two cuts to make instead of four! It may seem small …. but when you have a pattern with hundreds of these squares, it’s a time saver!
Another favorite tool of mine is this magnetic wand called the Pin Picker Upper to pick up dropped pins and needles. It telescopes out so it’s long and you don’t have to bend over to sweep the floor for pins.
I drop a lot …. I mean A LOT of pins on the floor when I’m working on a big project. And since I like to walk around my room in socks …. I need to find these pins before my feet do!
Next, is my pressing stick. If I am piecing a block with many small pieces and don’t want to keep jumping up and down to press every seam, this is a handy tool!
This is how it works…..
My last most favorite thing is this O’lipfa Rotary Cutting Safety Shield ruler guide for my long quilting ruler. This is a great addition to your ruler. This keeps the rotary cutting from heading towards you hand if you slip while cutting. Since I sliced into a finger last year (ouch!) These guards have given me peace of mind.
These guards combined with my “klutz” glove has really saved me from cutting myself again. Whew!
Unusual Things I Use in my Studio
My camera …. yes! Either the one on my phone or a traditional digital one. I like to take photos of different layouts when piecing a quilt top or figuring out the placement of appliqués.
Then I can refer to the photos I have taken so I piece the blocks for a quilt top in the correct order! An inexpensive digital camera just for your quilting is a great tool!
I also use everyday items to store tools on my cutting table.
This is great storage for my pencils, small rulers and scissors. The item that my rotary cutter and scissors are hanging off of is an old coffee mug holder!
This last thing I use helps to keep the pattern I’m working on front and center in my line of site while I am sewing. A clipboard!
I found this cool wooden clipboard at a garage sale and thought it would fit in perfectly in my studio. If your sewing table is against to or next to a wall, you can even hang it on the wall.
So, now that you’ve seen my favorite tools, share yours with me! Win a copy of my latest pattern, Scrappy Catz by sharing your favorite tools in the comments.
Scrappy Catz Lap Quilt Pattern
***We Have a Winner! Congrats Charlene!***
Happy Quilting
Deanne
I have a silverware caddy with 4 compartments that sit in a wire holder. It’s bright red and sits by my machine to hold all sorts of things. Also like the wooden ruler holders, I have 2 of those.
Love your scrappy quilts! Kitty to!
I like to take pictures for reference also!
I have to have my magnetic pin cushions (yes, more than one) near me when I am at the machine or the cutting/layout area. That way I can just drop the pin near the magnet and let it grab it from midair.
Love your Scrappy Catz.
My favorite ruler is the two and a half inch ruler for cutting straight lines. I nearly rubbed the numbers off it. I like my bodkin for turning out perfect corners. And my rotary cutter has a light on it, I bought it from Nancy’s notions years ago.
My favorite tool is my Quilter’s Slidelock (quiltersslidelock.com). My ruler was always slipping and this tool holds the fabric firm and I can cut multiple layers with no problem.
The Bloc Loc Ruler for half square triangles is my favorite new tool. And I use freezer paper for my appliqué templates.
I really think I need to get the square up ruler
My favorite is my 14″ quilting hoop. A 94yr old woman got me started hand quilting this way. Love it love it
My dear friend gave me a box of little pretty clips, I think meant for holding binding in place. I use them all the time for lots of things. Very handy, I love them!
I like the magnetic pin holders, I have several sizes.
My favorite new tool is my new Quilterselect 6″ x 24″ ruler. Does not slip. It was a birthday gift from quilting friends.
My favorite tools are my creative grids rulers. They are just amazing!