Scissors: It is handy to have at least two pairs: a large pair for cutting fabric, and a small pair for snipping threads. It is also good to keep a pair of paper scissors in your sewing box so you aren’t tempted to use your fabric scissors on template plastic or paper as this will blunt them.
Thimble: These are available in metal, plastic and even leather. Try out different styles and sizes to see what suits you.
Pins: Different types of pins are available, but for patchwork look for long, fine pins. Flower- or glass-headed pins are handy if you work in a space also used by children or pets, as you can spot them easily if you drop them.
Tape measure: A standard tape measure is fine; however, if you plan to make large quilts, look for an extra long (120in/300cm) one.
Seam ripper: This is an essential tool for unpicking seams quickly.
Notebook and pencil: These are handy to keep nearby when sewing to make notes on, for example, colour of thread used, size of stitch, or ideas that come to mind while sewing.
Other quilting tools
Marking tools: These are used to mark sewing or quilting lines on the fabric. The types most widely used are:
Chalk based – pencils, tailor’s chalk, propelling pencils.
Pens – water-soluble or vanishing pens.
Adhesive tape – low-tack masking tape, 1⁄4in (0.6cm) wide.
Pressure based – the Hera marker uses a pressure to mark quilting lines.
Template plastic: This is a sheet of a strong plastic that is used to make patchwork or quilting templates.
Quilter’s safety pins: These are normally curved to make using them easier. They hold the layers of the quilt together ready for quilting.
Rotary cutter: If you are machine piecing, one of these is essential. Rotary cutters come in several sizes, but the 45mm is the one most widely used for patchwork (see Rotary cutting for more information).
Self-healing mat: An A2 size mat is the most useful, as it comfortably fits a piece of 44in (110cm) wide fabric folded in half. I also find an A3 size handy if sewing at home on a small table (see Rotary cutting for more information).
Acrylic ruler: Rulers come in many different shapes and sizes, from small 4in (10.2cm) squares to hexagons and circles (see Rotary cutting for more information).
Sewing machine: There are some lovely sewing machines marketed at quilters; however, all you need to start is a basic sewing machine that sews a straight stitch. If you are trying patchwork for the first time, it may be that you can borrow a sewing machine, which will give you a better idea of what you are looking for when it comes to buying one. For quilt making using a sewing machine, it is handy to buy a 1⁄4in (0.6cm) foot, a darning foot and a walking foot to go with the standard feet that come with your machine. More details of these are given in the Machine piecing and Straight stitch machine quilting sections.
You can get useful advice from specialist sewing machine shops, which will usually let you try one out. Some features, such as needle up/down, speed control and the ability to machine sew a blanket stitch, are handy to have, but these are not essential.
Fabric
Choosing fabric can be one of the most exciting parts of making a quilt. People sometimes describe the feeling of going into a quilt shop as being similar to their childhood experience of walking into a sweet shop – so many lovely things they want to buy! Other people can find it stressful, and get worried about buying fabric that is wrong or doesn’t go together. Remember, fabric choice is a personal thing, so don’t get swayed by over-enthusiastic shop assistants or friends. If you like it, then use it.
The essentials
When you are starting out in quilt making, try to use 100 per cent craft-weight cotton. Yes, that vintage silk quilt you saw at a museum is lovely, but it is easier to get to grips with the basics using craft-weight cotton before moving on to more challenging fabric. Likewise, avoid using polycotton at first; however, with a bit of perseverance and practice, any fabric can be made into a quilt. Recycling old clothes and sheets, particularly when they remind you of a loved one, is great, but try to match the fabrics so they are of a similar weight. If you are unsure of what to buy, take your time to choose. Visit your local quilt shop to touch the fabric. Try to buy the best quality you can afford. If you are on a budget, look out for sales or remnant sections. Another tip to save money is to mix expensive prints with plain fabrics that tend to be cheaper.
Craft-weight cotton is usually sold from bolts that are 44in (110cm) wide. You can buy any quantity of fabric from the bolt, from 10in (25cm) upwards. Lots of quilters like to use a cut of fabric called a ‘fat quarter’. Fat quarters are sold in both metric and imperial measurements. Metric fat quarters are made from 0.5m of fabric cut in half across the middle, so they measure 50cm × 55cm. You can also buy long quarters that are 25 × 110cm. Imperial fat quarters are slightly smaller. They are made from 1⁄2yd of fabric cut in half across the middle, so they measure 18in × 22in (45.7cm × 55.9cm). Some fabrics are available in extra wide lengths (usually 90in/230cm or 108in/274cm); these are excellent to use as quilt backings as you don’t then have to piece fabric together.
Some quilters pre-wash their fabrics before using them, and others don’t. Fabric from good quality manufacturers should be colour-fast, but it is worth giving all fabrics a quick wash and dry before using them just to make sure.
Colour
Colour is a personal thing. Everyone has colours they love and hate, but try to keep an open mind. Despite dressing well and having tasteful homes, it is amazing the number of quilters who say they can’t ‘do’ colour. To get inspiration for using colour, look around you. Magazines, particularly interior and garden ones, can be good for showing some unusual colour combinations. Pink and green are a great combination you often see in nature, and blues and greens can be seen anywhere there is water.
One way I put colour combinations