Before you can make a quilt, you will need the right tools. There are varieties and brands and qualities out there. People will tell you a specific tool is necessary because they want you to purchase it. There are no shopping links to tools in this guide because my goal is for you to know exactly what you need – not to sell you something. There are of course tools that will make your life “easier,” but the tool may not be necessary for making the quilt. I will include my experience on which tools fall into either category.

My basic method for choosing tools is to find the one that works best for me regardless of the cost. There are tools I have spent more money on than others, and I would again because I believe it is the best suited for the job. If I recommend the cheapest option, it is only because it works. I have a full video on my tool must-haves vs. luxury tools. You can watch it here if you prefer videos.

Tool 1: A 45mm Rotary Cutter and New Blades

Tool 2: Binder Clips (A pack of 10 will do)

Tool 3: Flat Head Pins, long and skinny

Tool 4: Pincushion (I like magnetic, but really only need something to move your pins around the room and keep them contained)

Tool 5: Something to mark your fabric (A regular pen, chalk marker, or pencil)

Tool 6: Scissors or Snips

Tool 7: Seam Ripper

Tool 8: New needles 80/20 for your sewing machine

Tool 9: Iron and pressing board, ironing board, or pressing mat

Tool 10: A cutting mat that measures at least 24” on one side

Tool 11: A ruler that measures 6” x 24” (There are rulers of all sizes, but if you can only buy one – this is the size I would have. I also like OmniGrid and I like for my ruler and mat to be from the same brand.) 

Read the Complete Guide to Making Your First Quilt here.