Each quilter has their essential tools, their iron, their scissors, rulers and so on. However for me it does not just stop there.
Over my years of quilting, I have come across a considerable number of small accessories and tools that would simply make quilting so much time consuming without them. The funny part is they aren't even huge things, just little things here and there that save me a minute or two at a time.
Chaco Liners
Chaco liners look a lot like permanent markers, however they're completely different. Rather than permanently staining your fabric, these liners use a powder type tip that is designed to leave a mark, but not forever.
The basic concept behind these is you can mark out the measurements as required and then when its no longer required, clean it off simply. Ideal for any person working on a custom quilt pattern or patchwork quilt.
They're also refillable, so when you finish one, you can just unscrew the cartridge and substitute it with another one.
Thread Rack
This is a superb simple to use device that has saved me numerous minutes searching for the right thread. This is a rack divided up into a grid. Where each grid meets is a little dowl that sticks out, which you can put a spool of thread on.
I have arranged mine in a rainbow colour order so I can quickly find the colour thread I need and begin stitching. No more rumaging around your stitching box for the right colour spool.
You can get ones that stand vertically and have a roatating base to help you choose your threads, similar to a greeting card rack.
5 in 1 Sliding Gauge
This looks like one of those T-squares your teacher utilized in mathematics class. The difference is that this one has an adjustable slider.
It is a real wonder tool and is ideal for marking out button holes, seam allowances and hem length, just to name a few!
Its these tiny things that help me to save minutes here and there. These minutes then start turning into hours and shortly you'll find you cannot live without them either!
Over my years of quilting, I have come across a considerable number of small accessories and tools that would simply make quilting so much time consuming without them. The funny part is they aren't even huge things, just little things here and there that save me a minute or two at a time.
Chaco Liners
Chaco liners look a lot like permanent markers, however they're completely different. Rather than permanently staining your fabric, these liners use a powder type tip that is designed to leave a mark, but not forever.
The basic concept behind these is you can mark out the measurements as required and then when its no longer required, clean it off simply. Ideal for any person working on a custom quilt pattern or patchwork quilt.
They're also refillable, so when you finish one, you can just unscrew the cartridge and substitute it with another one.
Thread Rack
This is a superb simple to use device that has saved me numerous minutes searching for the right thread. This is a rack divided up into a grid. Where each grid meets is a little dowl that sticks out, which you can put a spool of thread on.
I have arranged mine in a rainbow colour order so I can quickly find the colour thread I need and begin stitching. No more rumaging around your stitching box for the right colour spool.
You can get ones that stand vertically and have a roatating base to help you choose your threads, similar to a greeting card rack.
5 in 1 Sliding Gauge
This looks like one of those T-squares your teacher utilized in mathematics class. The difference is that this one has an adjustable slider.
It is a real wonder tool and is ideal for marking out button holes, seam allowances and hem length, just to name a few!
Its these tiny things that help me to save minutes here and there. These minutes then start turning into hours and shortly you'll find you cannot live without them either!
About the Author:
To get some more great tips about the way to make a patchwork quilt, check out Jane Green's how to make a patchwork quilt website now!