I’ve been quilting long enough to know that having the right tools makes all the difference. Sure, you can technically get by with just a sewing machine, fabric, and thread - but let’s be real, quilting is so much easier (and more fun) when you have tools that actually work with you instead of against you. That’s why I put together a collection of my absolute must-have quilting supplies - tried, tested, and loved.
If you're looking to upgrade your toolkit or just want to know what I reach for every time I start a project, here’s a rundown of my favorites.
Cutting Mats & Rotary Cutters: The Dynamic Duo
A good cutting mat and rotary cutter combo is basically non-negotiable in quilting. If you’ve ever tried cutting fabric on a small, slippery surface, you know the struggle. When it comes to cutting mats, size is everything - the bigger, the better! A larger mat means fewer interruptions while cutting yardage and more room to work comfortably.
One great option is the Rotary Cutting Mat (24" x 36" - Grey). It’s big enough to handle larger cuts without constantly repositioning fabric, and the grey color is easy on the eyes during long sewing sessions. If you have the space for a mat this size, it’s absolutely worth it!
Pair that with the 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter (Magenta) or the 28mm Olfa Rotary Cutter (great for curves and tight corners), and cutting fabric becomes way more efficient—and honestly, a little satisfying. I have the classic yellow one, but if I had known this magenta beauty existed, I definitely would’ve picked it instead. Functionality-wise, they’re the same, but let’s be real - sometimes it’s fun to have a cute tool that sparks a little extra joy while you’re quilting.
If you want to take it up a notch, the Spinning 12" Rotary Mat is a game-changer for trimming blocks or cutting small pieces without shifting everything around. No more awkward arm twisting!
Rulers: Precision is Key
I keep a few rulers in rotation, but the Frosted Ruler (6" x 12") is my go-to for most cuts. It’s small enough to be handy but long enough for cutting strips and squaring up blocks. The frosted finish helps reduce glare, so I don’t have to fight with overhead lights or struggle to see my markings.
A good ruler is the key to accuracy, and this one checks all the boxes. The grid lines are easy to read, and it grips fabric well, preventing slippage while cutting. If you’ve ever dealt with a ruler shifting mid-cut, you know how frustrating that can be. With this frosted ruler, you can say goodbye to wonky strips and uneven blocks. It’s just one of those things that makes every step of quilting smoother and more enjoyable.
Pins & Marking Tools: Small but Mighty
Not all pins are created equal. Glass Head Pins (80 ct) and Flower Head Pins - Fine are standouts because they’re sharp, fine, and won’t distort fabric while pinning. The glass and flower heads also won’t melt under an iron (ask me how I learned that one the hard way). Having high-quality pins makes piecing so much smoother and helps prevent fabric from shifting out of place while sewing - something you don’t always realize is a game-changer until you’ve used the right ones.
For marking, I always have a Frixion Clicker Gel Pen (Black) on hand. It disappears with heat (hello, iron!), making it perfect for marking cutting lines, quilting motifs, or notes on fabric. But it’s not just a fabric pen - I also use it for journaling and love that it writes smoothly like a regular pen but erases when needed. If you prefer a no-smudge option for fabric, the Water Soluble Glue Pen (Blue) is another great choice for temporary holds without pins. Both of these tools give you flexibility in how you prep your fabric, and trust me, once you start using them, you won’t go back.
Scissors: Because Sometimes You Just Need to Cut
Rotary cutters are amazing, but scissors still have their place. Teflon Dressmaker Scissors (9") are perfect for big cuts, gliding through fabric effortlessly. The Teflon coating helps prevent sticky buildup from adhesives or fusible webbing, which is a huge plus. They’re great for cutting fabric, trimming batting, or making precise snips where a rotary cutter just won’t do the job.
For small and intricate cuts, Teflon Embroidery Scissors (4.5") are a great choice. Their sharp, precise blades make them ideal for cutting thread tails, trimming applique pieces, or snipping curves in tight spaces. A good pair of embroidery scissors makes a big difference in quilting workflow, helping with detailed work without the frustration of dull or bulky blades.
Seam Rippers: A Necessary Evil
Look, no one wants to use a seam ripper, but we all need one. The Seam Ripper (White) is sharp, comfortable to hold, and makes quick work of those “creative opportunities” (aka mistakes). Having a reliable seam ripper is essential for fixing errors without damaging your fabric.
If you've ever tried using a dull seam ripper, you know how frustrating it can be - it snags, drags, and makes the job way harder than it needs to be. A sharp, ergonomic seam ripper like this one makes unpicking stitches quick and painless (well, as painless as ripping out stitches can be). I always keep one within arm’s reach because let’s be honest, we all have those moments.
Value Viewer: Your Secret Weapon for Color Placement
If you ever struggle with fabric placement, the Value Viewer is a genius little tool that helps you see color values clearly. It’s an easy way to check contrast and make sure your quilt design pops the way you want it to. This kind of tool takes the guesswork out of color placement, making it easier to balance light and dark fabrics for a more cohesive look.
Sometimes, colors that seem perfect together don’t actually have enough contrast to stand out in a quilt. The Value Viewer helps you see past the color itself and focus on the depth and dimension of each fabric - something that can make or break a design. It’s such a simple but powerful tool, and it's definitely on my list to add to my own quilting setup next.
Labels: The Finishing Touch
After all that work, don’t forget to label your quilt! The Quilt Info Large Write-in Woven Sewing Labels (4-pack) add that perfect finishing touch, giving your quilt a polished, handmade-with-love feel. Plus, they make it easy to document important details so you can remember them years down the line. Quilt labels are one of those things that seem small but make a big impact - and after seeing these, I definitely need to order some for myself!
There’s something special about adding a personal touch to your quilts, and a label does just that. Gifting a quilt or keeping it for yourself, taking a moment to document the date, recipient, or even a special message makes it even more meaningful. These labels are easy to sew in and ensure your hard work is recognized for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools makes quilting smoother, easier, and - dare I say - more enjoyable. These are the supplies I reach for every time I start a project, and they’re all in one spot in my Quilting Must-Haves Collection. Whether you're looking for essentials or just want to upgrade a few things, these are the ones I swear by.
What’s a tool you can’t quilt without? Let me know - I’m always on the hunt for new favorites!
