setting up your studio
Quilting is known for not being a cheap hobby, and while that’s generally true, I wouldn’t recommend cutting corners when it comes to buying supplies. I’ve got a ruler that’s over 20 years old at this point and still going strong.
But, there are just. So. Many. options.
In order to help out if you’re just starting to quilt or if you’re looking to expand your toolbox, I’ve gone through my collection of tools and have ranked them as to what’s worth it and what would take precedent if I only had $X to spend (instead of accumulating them like the dragon hoarder I am). So, here is how I would spend my first $50, $100, or more on notions!
Please note: I’m assuming you have an ironing board and an iron. And these don’t include the cost of a sewing machine because 1) that’s a whole other conversation and 2) technically you can make a quilt without a machine. I started out as a hand sewer, and if I had my druthers, I’d suggest everyone do the same as it’s an amazing education in the mechanics of quilting. Yes, I realize this might be seen as outrageous, unrealistic, maybe even pompous on my part, but hey, we can all have ideals...assuming we all have infinite amounts of time and patience :)
$50
Sharps sewing needles (for hand piecing/binding)
Ruler 6-1/2" x 12-1/2" (I like Creative Grids)
6.5” Scissors (embroidery/craft: as long as you don’t use them for anything but fabric and thread, they’ll serve you well!)
Pins (any generic brand will do the job!)
Fabric Pencil (I like General’s Pastel Chalk Pencils)
$100
Sharps sewing needles (for hand piecing/binding)
6-1/2" x 12-1/2" ruler (I like Creative Grids)
Thread Snips (nothing fancy, just don’t use them for anything but thread!)
45mm Rotary Cutter (I started out with this one’s predecessor)
18" x 24" Cutting Mat (I love my Olfa cutting mat: it’s held up beautifully over the years)
Pins (any generic brand will do the job!)
Fabric Pencil (I like General’s Pastel Chalk Pencils)
Safety pins (I like the 1.5" safety pin, but if I had to, I'd go larger, not smaller)
Seam Ripper (find one that works well for your hand: for me, it’s this one by Clover)
$150
Sharps sewing needles (for hand piecing/binding)
6-1/2" x 24-1/2" ruler (Creative' Grids again for me!)
Embroidery Scissors (these are my all time favorites: I’ve had them for years!)
Ergonomic Rotary Cutter (I use this one)
18" x 24" Cutting Mat (I love my Olfa cutting mat: it’s held up beautifully over the years)
Patchwork Pins (best. pins. ever.)
Fabric Pencil (I like General’s Pastel Chalk Pencils)
Safety pins (I like the 1.5" safety pin, but if I had to, I'd go larger, not smaller)
Seam Ripper (find one that works well for your hand: for me, it’s this one by Clover)
$200
Sharps sewing needles (for hand piecing/binding)
6-1/2" x 12-1/2" ruler (I like Creative Grids)
6-1/2" x 24-1/2" ruler (Creative' Grids again for me!)
Embroidery Scissors (these are my all time favorites: I’ve had them for years!)
Ergonomic Rotary Cutter (I use this one)
24" x 36" Cutting Mat (this is what I’ve got in my studio)
Patchwork Pins (best. pins. ever.)
Fabric Pencil (I like General’s Pastel Chalk Pencils)
Safety pins (I like the 1.5" safety pin, but if I had to, I'd go larger, not smaller)
Seam Ripper (find one that works well for your hand: for me, it’s this one by Clover)
$300
Sharps sewing needles (for hand piecing/binding)
6-1/2" x 12-1/2" ruler (I like Creative Grids)
6-1/2" x 24-1/2" ruler (Creative' Grids again for me!)
Embroidery Scissors (these are my all time favorites: I’ve had them for years!)
Fabric Scissors (like these)
Ergonomic Rotary Cutter (I use this one)
24" x 36" Cutting Mat (this is what I’ve got in my studio)
Patchwork Pins (best. pins. ever.)
Fabric Pencil (I like General’s Pastel Chalk Pencils)
Fabric marker/pen (this is my favorite)
Safety pins (I like the 1.5" safety pin, but if I had to, I'd go larger, not smaller)
Seam Ripper (find one that works well for your hand: for me, it’s this one by Clover)
Wool pressing mat (I like my 14” x 14” one: it’s like this one!)
Note: When putting together these buyer guides, I based dollar values on the manufacturer’s suggested price as best I could. And yes, most of these notions can be found for cheaper at big box stores or big internet retails. But, as we all know how important it is to shop small, I’ll restrain myself from getting up on my soapbox about this. All I’ll say is that I would encourage you to buy from your local quilt store as much as possible because they are wonderful places that are a font of knowledge, friendship, and inspiration!
Is there a tool I missed? Want to learn more about a notion? Looking for an honest opinion on something? Send me an email at hello@broadclothstudio.com at any time! I’m always happy to talk shop about notions, quilting, sewing :)
Want to learn more about hand quilting supplies? I’ve pulled together a guide to my hand quilting toolbox here.
