What I Use

I’ve done several YouTube videos identifying the essential tools for any quilter, but maybe you’ve been wondering what I use. Well, here’s a summary of the tools I use most and like the best. Obviously, this is subject to change as I discover new and sometimes better tools.

NOTE: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click on the link and purchase something from that website. Rest assured all of these items are things I love and use consistently, and I believe make the whole quilting process better.

Sewing Machine

I guess will start on the most important item first, my sewing machine, or I suppose I should say sewing machines. As I’ve mentioned in my YouTube videos, you don’t need to start with a high-end machine.

Sewing Machine

I guess will start on the most important item first, my sewing machine, or I suppose I should say sewing machines. As I’ve mentioned in my YouTube videos, you don’t need to start with a high-end machine.

Notions

I’ve been sewing since I was 7, and quilting since I was 20 something. The notions I use are what I’ve found works for me and what I could easily get. I didn’t get taught by experts that said this or that was a must or the best. So… take this information for what it is, and if it doesn’t work for you, find something that does!

Thread

As the thread is what is going to hold your quilt together, a good thread is a must. I use Madeira Cotona No. 50, which is a 50-wt cotton thread for my piecing. It works beautifully, leaves very little lint, and I can easily get it at my local quilt store. I usually have 3 colors – white, cream or a light grey, and a black. The majority of time, the light grey is what I use, as it blends with most anything.

Thread

As the thread is what is going to hold your quilt together, a good thread is a must. I use Madeira Cotona No. 50, which is a 50-wt cotton thread for my piecing. It works beautifully, leaves very little lint, and I can easily get it at my local quilt store. I usually have 3 colors – white, cream or a light grey, and a black. The majority of time, the light grey is what I use, as it blends with most anything.

Rulers

Well, rulers, that’s another thing that it’s easy to collect!! I have a TON of rulers. Some for very specific uses, like my 60-degree angle rulers. Others, because I thought they would make something easier, or someone said I needed, or.. well, sometimes one just collects. 😊

Irons

I have several irons that I have some how accumulated over the years.  One for upstairs, when I used to actually iron cloths, one that Kevin had before we were married, and so on!  But the one I really like is a Rowenta Pro Master as it’s good and heavy, and has an auto-off!  The Rowenta irons are definitely not cheap, but if you keep your eye out for coupons and sales you can get one at a good price.

Irons

I have several irons that I have some how accumulated over the years.  One for upstairs, when I used to actually iron cloths, one that Kevin had before we were married, and so on!  But the one I really like is a Rowenta Pro Master as it’s good and heavy, and has an auto-off!  The Rowenta irons are definitely not cheap, but if you keep your eye out for coupons and sales you can get one at a good price.

Fabric

I’m going to give you my thought on this, and you can take it or leave it. 😊  Not all fabric is created equal, even if it has the same label on it.  Obviously, this makes life a little difficult when trying to figure things out when it comes to fabric.  But think about it, there has to be some difference when Walmart sells a fabric for $8/yd and your local quilt store across the street is selling it for $12/yd.  Do you really think your local quilt store is just marking it up so much more for profit!?!  NO, they aren’t!!