Advanced Quilting Tools and Techniques for Expert Crafters

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The Ultimate Guide to Advanced Quilting Tools

Introduction

As an experienced quilter, I often get asked about which advanced tools can take quilting projects to the next level. From specialty rulers to high-tech sewing machines, the options can be overwhelming for both beginner and expert quilters alike! Well, from my many years of quilting, I’ve tested my fair share of gadgets and can firmly say the following tools are absolute game-changers. Grab a cup of tea, and let’s delve into the wonderful world of advanced quilting!

Cutting Tools

Specialty Rulers

One of the most tedious parts of quilting is getting precise cuts on fabric. Well, say bye to crooked lines with specialty quilting rulers! Some of my favorites include:

  1. Omnigrid rulers – With angles, curves, and measurements marked, get accurate cuts every single time. The Omni Pro and Square squaring rulers are quilting staples in my toolbox!
  2. Non-slip rulers – It’s so annoying when rulers slip and slide around while you cut, basically botching the fabric. Non-slip quilting rulers have a textured surface or small sticky pads to keep them firmly in place without budging. Game changer, I tell ya!
  3. Angle and bias rulers – From half square triangles to diamonds, specialty angle rulers make it a breeze to whip up blocks with angled fabric pieces. No more head scratching and guessing!

I’d say start with a basic 6″ x 12″ or 6″ x 24″ size so you have a multi-purpose ruler, then build your collection from there. The possibilities are endless with specialty shapes like circles, waves, hexagons – go where your creative quilting takes you!

Rotary Blade Sharpeners

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I kind of cringe when I remember how long I used to get by with a super dull rotary blade just because I didn’t want to buy a dedicated sharpener. Don’t make that mistake friends! Invest in a blade sharpener, it will make cutting fabric feel like butter. Some manual options I recommend are the Fiskars sharpener or Aristo 2-Stage sharpener which do a fine job.

For the hobby quilter though, I’d go with an electric fabric blade sharpener for sure. Units like the Martelli Precision Sharpener and Wrights blade sharpener have guides to easily restore a sharp edge. Just a few seconds and voila – scary sharp cutting ability is restored! Plus, the convenience factor of electronic gadgets is hard to beat in my book.

Sewing Tools & Machines

Okay fellow quilting enthusiasts, let’s chat about the stars of the show – our beloved sewing machines! When it comes to quilting, a standard sewing machine just doesn’t cut it anymore. We gotta talk upgrades that make sewing as smooth as possible!

Needles for Thick Layers

Quilts tend to get very dense, especially for fluffy batting and fabric combinations. Popping the regular needle out for one specifically designed for dense materials is clutch. Look for thickness gauges 100/16 to 120/19 – the golden standard for quilting. Brands like Organ, Schmetz, and Microtex are known to glide through thick layers like butter. No more skipped stitches, annoying needle breaks, or sore fingers from pushing layers through. Worth every penny!

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Throat Space

There’s nothing more annoying than maneuvering bulky quilts through a tiny machine opening. Long arm quilting machines solve that problem with a vast open work area. But for home sewers, look for a standard sewing machine with at least 7 inches of space from the needle to machine body. Janome, EverSewn, and Juki are some consistent brands that build models with extra clearance. Maneuver big blankets with ease thanks to that roomy throat space!

Extension Table

For both stability and easier handling, I’d invest in a sewing machine extension table. They can clamp onto existing flat bed machines and provide ample surface to square up pieces or safely move projects. Some machine brands sell clamps marketed for their models specifically. But generic options from companies like Sew Steady work perfectly fine too!

Free-Motion Foot

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The free-motion or darning foot attachment is arguably THE accessory that takes quilting up a notch. With its springy mechanism, the foot hovers right above the fabric so stippling, swirls, and custom designs are suddenly within reach. Check your machine’s manual on how to swap the presser foot out. Free-motion takes some coordination and practice, but wow – it’s crazy satisfying to see your unique designs come to life on the quilt top!

Marking Tools

Alright, we’ve zoomed in on fabric cutting and sewing gear. But don’t underestimate the importance of fabric marking tools! When piecing quilt blocks together, seam allowances and pattern markings make precise construction so much easier. Avoid frustrating mistakes with these handy helpers:

  • Marking pencils – Either chalk-based or Frixion pens that use heat to erase, these are perfect for temporarily marking stitch lines.
  • Washout pens – If you need more long lasting lines, water soluble ink washes out after the quilt is finished.
  • Seam guide – Nifty rulers that calculate exact 1/4” or 1/2″ seam allowances so measurements are accurate every time.

As much as I try to “eyeball it” for faster quilting, taking just a few seconds to mark pieces means everything matches up with minimal headache later on. Let’s be real – ripping seams happens to even the best quilters. Do our future selves a favor by marking as needed, lol!

Batting Selection

As a final – yet super critical – supply choice, let’s explore specialty quilt batting options! Batting is the inner layer that gives warmth, loft, and personality to your blanket. Choose wisely my friends! Here are game-changing materials to check out:

  1. Cotton/poly blends – These combo materials blend cotton for breathability with polyester fibers that add resilience and structure. It’s a lightweight option with a bit more drape.
  2. Wool – For traditional bed quilts, wool wicks away moisture and provides some insulation with its dense fibers. The lofty texture adds gorgeous dimension too!
  3. Silk – THE luxury splurge for batting, silk creates an ultra-light, cloud-like quilt with unbeatable drape and sheen. Use for apparel items or display quilts.
  4. Fusible options – Game changer alert! Ditch basting stitches with fusible batting that sticks to quilt top and backing layers with heat bonding. Joy and happiness all around, haha.

From cotton to exotic silk, play around with different batting to get your ideal heft, texture, and behavior in quilted projects. The possibilities are thrilling!

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Final Takeaways

Well there you have it friends, the inside scoop on advanced tools and supplies frequented by seasoned quilters. From cutting aids to high-end machines and specialty batting, treating yourself to quality gear lets creativity shine even brighter. Quilting feels less like a chore and more like a passion, you know?

As overwhelming as fancy gadgets can get, start small by adding tools one at a time. Maybe a new rotary ruler this month then upgrade your thread the next. Ask other quilters what they can’t live without too – word of mouth is clutch for product recommendations.

Most of all, remember the joy of quilting comes from the process – not expensive supplies alone. At the end of the day, even the simplest materials can produce beautiful heirlooms when made with love. Happy stitching friends! Let me know what other quilting questions you have. This is just the beginning!

Advanced Quilting Tools Comparison
Tool Use Features Price Range
Rotary cutter Quickly and accurately cutting fabric Sharp circular blade, ergonomic handle, blade guard for safety $15-30
Cutting mat Protects work surface from rotary cutter Self-healing surface, grid lines for alignment $20-50
Quilting ruler Accurate measuring and cutting guide Clearly marked 1/4″ seam allowance, durable transparent material $5-20
Quilting pins Holds fabric layers in place when sewing Glass head, sharp end, rust-resistant $8-15
Quilting clips Holds fabric layers without holes from pins Spring-style grip, curved edge conforms to fabric $8-15

FAQ

What are some advanced quilting tools I should have?

  1. A quality rotary cutter is essential for quickly and accurately cutting fabric. Look for one with a comfort grip handle and a sharp blade.
  2. An ergonomic rotary cutter ruler makes measuring fabric a breeze. Longer rulers like the 6″x24″ size help cut lots of fabric at once.
  3. A cutting mat protects your work surface. Get one at least 18″x24″ so you have a good-sized cutting area.

What sewing machine features help with quilting?

  1. A built-in walking foot helps evenly feed thicker fabrics and prevents shifting while quilting.
  2. An extension table expands the sewing surface for managing large quilt projects.
  3. Needle up/down allows pivoting fabric without losing needle position.

What tools can help me make straighter quilt lines?

  1. An acrylic quilting ruler with etched measurements can help guide fabric under the presser foot.
  2. A quilting bar attaches to the machine for straight stitching without marking lines.
  3. A quilting guide helps slide the fabric at accurate 1/4″ or 1/8″ increments.