I hope last week was fantastic and that you have been looking forward to this week’s blog. I put together a new quilt this week using a pinwheel block setting; you can see it in my Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/GiftsbySheri?ref=si_shop. What do you think? Is it something you get ideas from? It is a perfect size to be used for a variety of uses. I also posted a close up picture of a couple of blocks on my blog.
Today I promised I would explore the world of tools that you need to quilt. Let’s start with the main items:
- Sewing Machine
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat
- Ruler(s)
- Pins
- Disappearing ink fabric marker
Now, I have made this list the most very basic listing possible. Remember, we are trying to take the “scare” out of quilting.
Let’s start with item #1 the sewing machine. If this topic is brought up there will be many opinions. Let me cut to the chase. The cost of a decent machine begins around $500 dollars. A mid-range machine that will last for years and do everything you need plus a few you don’t, around $2000. The grand dream machine will start around $8000 depending on what options you choose.
Hopefully you are over your state of shock. I have a mid-range and high-end dream machine. Except for embroidery on my high end machine, my mid-range does everything I need for quilting. You need basic stitch functionality. Quilting does not require anything fancy. It is what you choose to do that can make having those extra decorative stitching functions fun.
Here is the secret….it does not matter what machine you choose, what matters is having a shop that will help you take care of the machine and teach you how to use every function the machine has. When you are buying a machine, don’t look solely at the price tag. You can get a great deal, but if the dealer offers no support, this will cost you much more in the long run. See if your machine dealer offers, classes, free machine tuning, trade-in value if you decide to trade up later, phone support, etc. Believe me support is what is important.
In addition to the machine, you will want the following add on items that are usally not included with your machine:
- Straight stitch plate
- Stitch in the ditch foot
- ¼” foot with edge guide
- Walking foot (unless your machine has a built in one—this is a feature I LOVE and highly recommend).
I could go on for hours, but there is no need. Explore every machine seller within a good driving distance, find the one you like, and then pick your machine. At the high end, all machines are basically the same, differing features are usually minimal.
Next the Rotary Cutter, there is not much to say about this except it will be one of your most heavily used items. You only need the 45mm rotary cutter with extra blades. The smaller rotary cutter is something you can add to your collection at a later date.
The cutting mat is an obvious need with the rotary cutter. The minimum size needed is the 36” x 24”. Like most things the mat can be a costly investment; however, if you have a store that offers a 50% or 40% off coupon for one item every week this is a great item to use it on.
Next is the ruler. Remember I am only suggesting the bare minimum items needed. My most useful rulers are the clear acrylic 6 ½” x 24 ½”. The next most used one I have is the 6 ½” square. You can get a lot of use out of these two rulers and add others as you progress.
Small but important are pins. Pins could be a blog unto themselves, but I promised simplicity. You will need some silk pins and some long pins with flat heads.
Last but not least is the disappearing ink fabric marker. Not used for every pattern, but when you need it, you need it!
Once you have all of the above items, you are basically equipped to quilt. There are tons of other items on the market that look useful. The truth is, some are and some are not. Start with the basics and adapt needs as you progress. You can spend a lot of money on items that look great and you never use. Trust me I have drawers full of these things.
Next week I focus on fabrics. If you have other topics you would like let me know.
Gifts by Sheri 