Quilting can be an expensive hobby. Here's a list of what I personally used in my first year of quilting, as a total beginner.
Sections
5
Rulers & Cutting Mats
Seam Rippers
Rotary Cutters & Blades
Other Notions
Pins & Clips
Rulers & Cutting Mats
My one true love <3 when it comes to quilting. This ruler is the PERFECT size. The lines are clear and the angles are helpful. LOVE
6x12 Omnigrid Ruler
A rotating cutting mat ensures that your block or piece does not move when making multiple cuts! Genius!
Self-healing 14-inch-by-14-inch 360 Degree Rotating Quilting Cutting Mat ...
I know it seems like such a small ruler, but I have used this again and again and again. The lines are clearly marked and…it's pink, come on.
2.5" Square Ruler with Heart Grip | Tula Pink #TPSQ2
A standard, nicely sized self-healing cutting mat. I have been using this one for a year and it is still holding up so well.
Self Healing Cutting Mat: Medium (18" x 24")
The most helpful thing for squaring up your projects. Trimming and squaring makes your project look professional and neat. You won't need this RIGHT away, but it is good to put on a Christmas list.
Tucker Trimmer
Seam Rippers
How pretty is this seam ripper?! And why not love a tool that you use so often?
Metal Engraved Seam Ripper
This seam ripper has an ergonomic soft-touch grip. Most people I know prefer these.
Ergonomic Seam Ripper
A light up seam ripper for extra viewing capabilities. In case you want to see your screw-ups reeeeeal well.
Lighted Seam Ripper
Rotary Cutters & Blades
People are picky about rotary cutters. This is the one I have personally used for about a year. *It is VERY important that your cutter have a blade cover!!!*
Fiskars® Trigger Rotary Cutter (45 mm)
Another cutter option. This one is great to keep in your kit if you are quilting with a guild or traveling. Note it is smaller than the usual 45mm blade, at 28mm.
Grace 28mm TrueCut StraightCut Rotary Cutter
You will need to replace those blades after every major project or about 8-10 hours of cutting.
28mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
REPLACE THEM!
45mm Replacement Rotary Blades
Other Notions
The Purple Thang! A multi-use sewing tool that is universally loved. Use it to turn tubes, gently guide fabric under your sewing foot, poke out corners…the list goes on. You WILL use this every time you sew. I have several.
That Purple Thang
This little guide stays on my machine anytime I am using a quarter-inch seam. So helpful for beginners, but great for anyone wanting consistent seams.
Magnetic Seam Guide
This makes half-square triangles a breeze. I have also used it to check my seams, check my measurement on my sewing machine foot, and a thousand other things.
Small folding thread scissors. Great for finishing or snipping those itty bitty pieces.
Small Folding Scissors
These are the BEST fabric scissors I have found. I love them and they are so well made.
Gingher Fabric Scissors with Protective Sheath
Just your regular quilting thread.
All-Purpose Quilting Thread
I will admit I didn't think these were necessary at first, but after using one for about six months, I have to say I love it. Convenient, as thread tends to come with different sized holes and often, in cones.
Single Thread Spool Holder
A good steam iron will be your best friend. DO NOT overfill the reservoir and try to use filtered water to preserve the life of your iron.
Moosoo Steam Iron 1800W Dry Iron Lightweight Anti-drip Iron with Auto-Off, ST1800
A heat press mat for beside your work station will really help. You don't have to go back and forth to your iron!
Heat Press Mat
A little pricey, but SO helpful for beginner quilters, especially if you haven't sewn before.
Diagonal Seam Tape
Pins & Clips
If you get nothing else on this list GET THESE!! I found them on Oriental Trading Co at 100 for about $15. That's a great deal and yeah, you'll need 100.
Clips for Quilting and Sewing
These flat pins are perfect for quilters.
Flower Head Pins
Glass head pins are great, as they don't melt when you iron over them. Melting a pin is a horrible way to ruin your new fabric :(
