Hi everyone! It’s Michele here for today’s Learning Center post on not so basic quilting tools. I asked several quilting friends to recommend their favourites and have give-aways for a few of them too. Karen from Sew Many Ways is also sharing a few of her most popular DIY tools. See also, last month’s post on Basic Quilting Tools.
One of my most favourite tools is my June Tailor Shape Cut Ruler. I’ve had mine for a few years now and use it quite often. I have the 12″ ruler with 1/2″ increments, though I know they make other variations of it too.
Here’s a video showing how it works:
While not really a tool per se, here’s Pat Sloan’s recommendation… pretty and organized! These are wooden spools from textile factories.
On to the recommendations from other quilting friends…
One quilting tool that I feel every beginning quilter should own is the Angler 2 by Pam Bono Designs. I find it very helpful when stitching diagonal lines for half square triangles etc. I have had mine for years and use it all the time.
We have two give-aways for the Angler 2 below.
Kim:
My recommended tool is a Stiletto. It helps keep your seams accurate when your fingers can’t do it for you.
Debbie:
The two tools that I just love are the Fons and Porter binding tool
and the Wacker Seams Perfect. You can find this at most quilting shops. I just listed this particular site so you can see it.
The Kwik Klip is one of my favourite gadgets. I use it to open and close the curved safety pins I use for basting. If you are still opening and closing by fingers only, you have to try this out. So much less stress on the little muscles in your fingers and hands. Made a huge difference for me.
Michele’s note: While I rarely pin baste anymore, I do love this tool too when I do.
Does a stencil count as a quilting tool? I’m saying yes because this stencil helps make perfect HST (Half Square Triangles) patches. Visit Kitty’s blog to see the tool in action and Sunday Best Quiltworks for photo tutorials and a video.
We have a give-away for a set of four stencils below.
I have been a quilter for over 30 years. And all this time I have struggled with 1/4 inch seams. I have even purchased the 1/4″ foot for my last two sewing machines. My seams were just too large and I would never get that “scant” 1/4″ seam that many patterns call for. My finished blocks would never be the size the pattern said they should be! And then last month, I headed away on vacation and came home with a Perfect Piecing Seam Guide.
This little guide is phenomenal and immediately corrected my piecing problems. I blogged about too.
I can’t live without my Gypsy Gripper. I have arthritis in my wrists and it really saves me a lot of pain when cutting with a rotary blade and holds the ruler steady.
Also got to have my Machingers Quilting Gloves for free-motion quilting. Helps again with the arthritis pain but grips that fabric and moves it along so much more easily.
Michele’s note: I love these gloves too; they’ve made a huge difference to my free motion quilting. We have a give-away for two pairs below.
I love my Clover chaco liner. The white one always brushes off of fabric easily and it’s so much easier to use, in my opinion, than a marking pencil or marker. It glides right over the fabric.
One more thing that is absolutely worth the $199 purchase price in amount of back pain saved — the GROLAND kitchen island from IKEA. What is a kitchen island good for in the quilting world?? It is the perfect height for a cutting table so that I’m not bending over to cut but standing upright. Not too tall, not too short. Just perfect. It’s made of unfinished birch which gives it a nice crafty feel, in my opinion, and it has a sturdy shelf and hanging rails. Totally amazing.
My first suggestion would be a hemostat – can’t tell you how many tubes I have had to turn for various reasons over the years and since buying a hemostat on amazon last year I am in love! It is a snap and good for lots of other uses too if you get inventive with it. You can get them in lots of different sizes – which is useful depending on how long the tube is you are trying to turn. I prefer this to a lot of other tools because you pinch the fabric instead of hooking it which can lead to snags.
Michele’s note: I need one of these!
My second suggestion is still my all time favorite tool – the Easy Star and Geese Ruler. I use it ALL THE TIME!
Here’s my Fancy Flocks quilt I made with it and a link to a tutorial I did too.
Michele’s note: I love this ruler too!
Oh yeah, and let’s not forget the ever useful Purple Thang!
Karen – Sew Many Ways
Karen from Sew Many Ways has a really fun series on her blog: Tool Time Tuesday. Her ideas are both clever and creative and I often ask myself “Why didn’t I think of that?”. I asked Karen to share a few of the most popular DIY tools that she’s featured on her site.
Hi, my name is Karen from the blog Sew Many Ways. I want to thank Michele for inviting me to join in on the fun. She asked me to share a few posts I’ve done on my favorite quilting tools…beyond the basics. I thought the best things to share for sewing and quilting are design walls, pincushions and thread holders.
I’ve done several different kinds of design walls over the past few years. Click HERE to the post that has all the tutorials for the ones I’ve made so far. Below is a picture of one that is made with pvc pipes and it’s portable too!
Pincushions are another essential in my sewing room. I love them and they are easy to make. Click HERE for the link to all the pincushion posts…they’re not your usual pincushions! Below is one of many to make for yourself…it’s from a chicken feeder!!
Thread holders for hand sewing are a must too. This post was one of my first when I started blogging over 3 years ago. Easy to make and inexpensive too. A necklace thread holder! Click HERE for that post.
Thank you again for letting me participate in such a fun project and thanks for stopping by my blog too. There are lots of other helpful tips and hints, so feel free to browse around!
Take care,
~Karen~
Sew Many Ways
Give-Aways
The Angler 2
The Angler 2 is a plastic quilting template that fits every sewing machine. It can be installed and reinstalled in minutes with a few pieces of painter’s tape. Make up to 7 3/4″ squares. It eliminates the necessity of drawing or pressing diagonal seam guide lines and is very accurate for chain piecing. After a bit of practice, it cuts piecing time in half! See the demonstration videos on our site.
I have two Angler 2 templates to give away.
Sunday Best’s Original Half-Square Triangle Stencil
Half-Square Triangle Stencil – No more cutting and marking squares! You can make 32 perfect half-square triangles in 15-20 minutes. Just pin, mark, sew, press and cut. Minimal waste of fabric and no paper to remove! See our demo on YouTube.
The give-away is a set of 4 stencils: 1″, 1-1/2″, 2″, and 2-1/2″ finished sizes.
Machingers Quilting Gloves
Machingers Quilting Gloves are specifically designed for machine quilters. They are lightweight and form-fitting. The have fully coated fingertips for excellent grip with less resistance and drag on fabric. No coating on palm allows skin to breathe in cool comfort. They are made of nylon knit.
I have two pairs to give away.
How to Enter the Give-Aways
Leave a comment below sharing your favourite Not So Basic quilting tool. Include a link to the tool if you can find one. Additionally, indicate which of the three tools being given away above that you would love to win. One comment/entry per person. Winners will be randomly selected next Wednesday, April 11th 2012.
Winners
Congratulations to …
#144 Carla G. and #51 Gene Black won the Angler 2
#98 Shari won the triangle stencil pack
#44 Rhonda H. and #55 Kathy won Machinger gloves
Thanks to the sponsors for the lovely prizes. Winners, check your inboxes for a message from me.
I would love the machingers gloves, thanks for the chance to win. I’m not sure if this counts, but lately I’ve been very grateful for the little brush that comes with my sewing machine to clean out the lint. So useful.
What a tough question! Right now my favorite not-so-basic quilting tool is probably either my Quick Quarter or Mary Ellen’s Best Press. I use both REALLY often when sewing and can’t imagine how frustrated I would be without either.
I would love to win The Angler 2. I have the Seamingly Accurate guide on both my machines, but the markings wore off in mere months and I need something more permanent and versatile for angles.
My fav Not So basic tool is … well, blogland! I can search and find any advice, help, or instructions on how to do anything!
I use the Shape Cut regularly, as well as the Perfect Seam Guide – They keep me straight!
I want to try a few things: First, the new batting tape to seam together scraps – I”ve heard it’s great…. I also want to experiment with some of the mini-irons available… I like my Hobbico, but wonder if there isn’t something better out there.
I would love to win some Machingers, or the Chacoliner… or that Ikea table, for sure! Thanks for a great blog post!
I would love to win the gloves, I tried quilting a king size quilt on my machine and had a hard time holding the material. My non-traditional quilting tool is a crochet hook, I use it to pull the bobbin thread out from under the foot. It’s the only use it ever gets!
My favorite tool tip is to use a wooden chopstick to close the safety pins when you pin baste. And it’s FREE at your favorite Chinese restaurant.
I would love to win any of the above tools, but if I have to choose just one, I would like the quilting gloves.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the whacker! Before I checked out the website I was wondering what it could be used for…my first thought was stress relief…and it looks pretty handy.
I would particularly like to win the quilting gloves, but I would be thrilled to win any of the tools you listed.
i love my butterfly thread cone holder……available through connecting threads…..http://www.connectingthreads.com/Tools/Butterfly_Thread_Holder__D71302.HTML
it is heavy and won’t tip over, tall to hold the thread up and very pretty!!!
those stencils look great for HSQ’s.
My favorite tool is the Wonder Cut Ruler.
Wonder Cut Ruler
http://www.wondercutruler.com/
I love my ACCUQUILT GO BABY. It has help me so much as I have arthritis and it helps ease the pain and I can continue quilting like a roadrunner. I use the handy dandy magnetic pin grabber to it extends also. Thanks for the chance to win. My grands thank you too.
I keep a porcupine quill next to me and also in my travel sewing box. The very pointy end has a little burr that holds pieces while feeding through the machine and the duller end works great as a stiletto or helping with turning. I would love the Machingers. Thanks for all the tips and the chance to win
Great article!
You already have my favorite tool…the Angler 2, I love mine for HST. The Half Square Triangle Stencil would be cool to own, the hemostat would be great and I could really use the Kwip Klip. Thanks for the chance to win!
Ok good question and I have a wierd answer for it! A friend recently sent me a new seam ripper. This works for sewn seams as well as quilting. We both machine quilt and just hate when we need to rip out a row of quilting. What was that new seam ripper? A travel size beard and moustache trimmer that is made by Wahl! I love that little thing! Unfortunately I am already on my third battery and not because the battery doesn’t last very long! haha! Great little gadget!
I love the ideas and suggestions!
I use the blue painter’s masking tape to hold down the backing of a mini quilt, when I am sandwiching the layers together. It’s like having a helping hand! It removes easily, and doesn’t leave any marks on the fabric or table.
You can purchase it at any hardware store, but here is a link so you know what I am referring to:
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100281813/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=blue+painter%22s+tape&storeId=10051
Cheryl
I’m a very new quilter – piecing my first quilt top now – so I’m not sure I have any suggestions for physical tools that would be worthwhile, but what has been invaluable to me has been internet tutorials! Without easy access to a quilt shop, I’m not sure I would have had the courage to start otherwise, despite my long-standing urge to quilt. If I’m selected either the Angler 2 or the triangle stencil would be very helpful – probably the Angler 2 as a first choice. By the way, this is the tutorial I’m using for my first effort: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-sew-a-quilt-Quilting-101/
Thanks!
My favorite is the June Tailor Shape Cut Plus ruler (It’s 12 – 18). I would choose the Angler 2 as my first choice. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love my Frixion pens that disappear when you iron them. I also like Hugo’s Amazing Tape for keeping my thread spools tidy. I would like to try out those HST stencils. That’s my favorite way to make HSTs, but I don’t like taking the time to draw the lines.
What a great article! I’ve been quilting for the past five years or so, and I am amazed at the new tools that I have learned about today that will assist me in quilt-making. I’ve made notes on my “wish list” for the Shape Cut, Angler 2, hemostat, and the half-square triangle stencil!! Since I can only enter the drawing for one of the items, I think I’m going to have to choose the half-square triangle set. Thanks for the chance to win, and your great article!!
One of my favorite ‘not sold for quilting’ tools is a door peep hole…. yep, found in the hardware store is a nice brass gadget that most folks insert into their outside door to see who is on the other side before opening the door. The peep hole gadget allows me to view quilt blocks and tops as if from afar :)
I have a wooden picket fence panel that I use to lay the fabric selections over the pickets to keep them close at hand and easily seen.
I like The Angler!
I have been quilting for a long time so could use a pair of those new Machingers gloves! I also bought those Frixion pens which I love and the Clover Chaco Liner. Would also love to try the HST stencil! Good ideas you gave us….thanks!
If I won, I’d love the angler 2. The gloves would be great too, but I probably need the angler more. I’m a new quilter too, so I dont know if I have anything to add. I do like my lapel stick. It’s nice for temporary adhering fabrics!
I use a wallpaper seam roller I found at a thrift store to ‘iron’ my seams when I don’t want to stop and use a hot iron. This works great when piecing small things at sew-ins and classes. I have several of these tools now. I’d love a chance at the Angler first, or the stencils. I’ve been wanting to try the Angler. Thanks. PS: Instead of purchasing a Gypsy Gripper in the large size (I have a small one) I found a shower gripper (same thing, different colors) for $1 at the thrift store. It’s wonderful!
What fun! My absolute favorite is the clear sewing machine extension table my dad-in-law made for me. I use it even when I’m making tiny things because it’s still great having all the extra space. Also, when I’m following patterns, I put them under the extension table so I save space while still being able to refer to the pattern!
I’d love to win the Angler 2 thingy. I actually find it fun to mark the diagonal line on my HSTs, but I can’t say no to saving time! :)
I am a new-to-quilting beginner, so I don’t have any tips or tricks or favorite tools yet, except youtube … which is where I get so-called hands-on training. My mother’s passing left me with her quilting books and I’m wanting to try my hand at it now. I’d love to win the Angler 2, I think. Thanks!
Idon’t have any unusual tools as I havent been quilting very long. I would like the 1/2 square triangle stencil if I win.
Wow! I need to start buying some new tools! Some that I use regularly are the purple thang and the hemostat.
I love the seam guide I have on my machine. It’s a sticky-back guide that can be cut to fit most machines and helps me tremendously.
I have a titanium seam ripper. Unfortunately, I get lots of opportunities to use it too!
I’d like to win the Angler so I could stop drawing those diagonal lines. One less step and lot less time. My favorite. Tool right now are the Easy Angle and the Companion Angle. Now that I’ve figured them out that is as I’m a bit directionally challenged. It took taking pictures with my phone and looking at them. Then seeing Bonnie Hunter’s again. Then the light finally turned on. Then they became my fave tools! Beats the others methods all together.
I would llike to try out the angler 2 . It looks like it would help with my accuracy.
My favourite tool/product is 505 Temporary Spray to baste layers together for quilting. No more pins or thread basting. No more pins or threads in the way1 It’s worth every penny!!!
I would like to try the angler or the stensils. I love my quilting gloves – and my supreme slider for free motion quilting.
Have a great and creative week.
Quilthugs :-)
Oh my, I have been wanting the Angler 2 for so long. I have so very many favorite tools that I have a hard time choosing. Right now though my favorite tool is my Olfa Spinning Rotary Mat 12” x12” which I use so much I need a newer larger one!
Oh, I love my Oliso iron, you plop it down and the little legs come up to prevent it from touching the table….
My favorite tool is my walking foot ; use it almost as much as my 1/4″ seam foot !!! And I think if I ever get a spinny rotary mat I’ll love that too !!!! :D I’d like the Angler 2 ! thanks so much for the article !
I’m brand new to quilting so I don’t have any unusual tools yet. I have used a sharp bamboo awl to push/guide fabric close to the presser foot. I would love to win the half-square triangle stencils. Thanks for the chance!
My favorite non-sewing tool has got to be my little stubby flat-blade screw driver. It stays by my side, right along with my seam ripper, embroidery scissors and thread stand.
I use it for changing needles, changing presser feet, retrieving wayward threads and even removing dust bunnies from the bobbin area.
If I were to have a choice of helpers, I think I’d like to give that Angler 2 a try!
My favorite is my T J Lane thimble could not hand quilt without it
I would love the half square triangle Stencil
I would be happy to win any of the items. I am fairly new to quilting anddon’t have a lot of supplies yet, so all of mine are the basic ones.
I love chop stix. I use it as a point turner and also to press open seams. I would love any of the wonderful prizes.
Thanks sew much.
Lynda
A basic chop stick (Chinese restuarant type) is great for pushing, helping to turn, and doing quite a few other tasks, and usually free. Use a safety pin for theading elastics and other things in casings (all the other tools are a waste of time and energy). I’m constantly grabbing my Sewline pencils, and good snips for cutting threads, Grabbit or other magnetic pin holder (great for picking up strays). Get a good sewing box/tool kit for your supplies, too, especially if you travel. I do need a pair of Machingers, though. Great tools and suggestions. I really like the Ikea table!
My favorite tool is the Clover Needle Threader. It makes threading a hand needle “sew easy”! Here’s the link: http://www.ConnectingThreads.com/tools/Pins_Needles_Accessories__L60050113.html
This was a great article; I learned about several things that may be very helpful! My newest tool (haven’t even had the chance to use it yet) is called The Binding Tool and I wonder if it’s very similar to the Fons & Porter Binding Tool shown above….supposed to help eliminate all the bulk where the binding starts & ends. Thanks for chance to win a prize; my first choice would be the gloves but I’d be happy with any of them. Thanks!
I love my Hera marker. I blogged about it on my own version of Terrific Tool Tuesday. Darn, I thought I had a novel idea in the tool Tuesday posts. Oh well. I would love the machingers gloves! Thanks!
Thanks for all the wonderful ideas. My new favourite tool is my lanyard. I made a bunch of lanyards a few months ago. I gave most of them away, but I kept one . I keep my embroidery scissors hook on to it, so that I don’t lose them. I always seem to lose my scissors at the worst time. I would love to win the quilting gloves. I really need those. Thanks for the chance to win.
http://arianescrafts.blogspot.ca/2012/01/potholders-and-lanyards.html
Tutorial found here: http://twopeasinapoddesigns.com/2010/09/sewing-seeds-with-the-two-peas-a-patchwork-lanyard-tutorial/
One of my favourite tools is my doughnut bobbin holder. Because I have so many bobbins that they won’t all fit in my machine bobbin case :) I would like to try the Angler 2.
I love this kaleidoscope template called the smart plate! with a matching book, it’s so easy to make kaleidoscope blocks out of pinwheel blocks with this ruler/ template.
I made a review/ tutorial on my blog (which is down at the moment-hopefully it’ll work tomorrow)
the scissor snap thingys for turning around tubes look so cool, looks like a medical instrument. I love any other gadgets.
My favourite tool is the Supreme Slider used for FMQ. Love it so much. I would be thrilled to try The Angler2. Thanks for the giveaway.
I just bought a hemostat. I haven’t used it yet, but when I need it nothing else will do. My favorite non-traditional tool is my digital camera. I take pictures of various quilt layouts, photograph my students’ projects, record details of interesting fabrics, etc. I think I’d like to try the Angler.
I would love to win the Angler 2.
My favorite “not so basic” tool is one that I continually forget about. The Little Genie Magic Bobbin Washer
http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/little+genie+magic+bobbin+washers.do
And while I was looking for a link – I saw that they are good for embroidery machines also. I need to put one in my embroidery bobbin case! It really does help with FMQ.
I love the 3-in-1 tool by Alex Anderson http://www.ctpub.com. It’s a seam ripper, stiletto and pressing tool all in one!
I’d love to win the quilting gloves :).