The tools you use can help you enjoy your hobby or cause you to abandon a project before completion. Many quilters spend hours of discouraging drudgery until they discover the tools of the trade, and the proper way to use them.

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It is possible to make a quilt with a dull pair of scissors and the measuring tape scrounged from the hubby's toolbox. Why would you want to make things so hard for yourself? If you are able to persevere, the resultant quilt will be much less than satisfactory.

There is an endless variety of patchwork and quilting tools available. This can be daunting to the beginner. As you build your experience up you can add to your tool collection but there are certain "must have" tools necessary to get you started.

1.    The rotary cutter is the best invention ever for cutting all those pieces for patchwork. Rotary cutters come in many sizes. The medium sized rotary cutter is the most used, as it is great for single or multi layer. The jumbo rotary cutter is ideal for cutting through multiple layers. The mini cutter is superb for cutting around curves and trimming ½ square triangles back to size.
2.    Self-healing cutting matsspecially designed for use with rotary cutters.The mats come in many different sizes. The recommended size for most quilting work is 18" x 24". The mat protects the rotary cutter from damage, prevents harm of the surface where you are cutting and helps keep the fabric from slipping about. Most mats have grid lines which aid in placing the fabric.
3.    A proper ruler is essential for ease and accuracy. Of the many rulers available, Creative Grid Rulers are outstanding. The white and black lines are easy to see on any colour fabric. The best advantage that these rulers have, are the built in grips that eliminate slipping of fabric. These two features make tasks much easier.
4.    Utility scissors are required for cutting paper for use in foundation paper piecing, cutting out patterns for appliqué and clipping threads.
5.    Good quality 8" fabric scissors, for use in cutting just fabric. Don't use these scissors for anything but fabric, as that "just this once" to cut a little bit of paper will soon result in needing a new pair.
6.    A sewing machine is necessary for easy piecing. The machine should help you effortlessly sew a ¼" seam allowance.
7.    Iron and ironing board for pressing and setting seams.
8.    Pins may be small but they are essential.Clover Flower Head Pins work exceptionally well for foundation piecing and are ideal in preventing your fabric from moving when you are cutting.

Patchwork