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I've been compiling a list of must haves for the beginner quilter and thought I should share it here in case anyone else is curious about the items I think you should have before starting on a quilting journey. Hope this is helpful!
1. A sewing machine is an obvious one, but I wanted to share this particular machine because I think Juki is a great brand and comes with so many bells and whistles for the price point. I personally use a Juki and have been so happy with it!
2. Magnetic pin cushion and the best pins to fill it with! I like that this one is white and goes with anything, plus the magnetic aspect makes it so easy to grab and set down pins without worry. I also love these pins for quilting because they are easy to grip and have an extra fine point.
3. A self healing mat and rotary cutter are a must for accurate cutting. I recommend at least an 18" x 24" to easily cut yardage, but if you have the space, a 24" x 36" mat is even better. The rotary cutter doesn't need to be anything fancy, a 45mm blade and an easy to operate safety guard is all you need. If you want something ergonomic, go with the Martelli.
4. If you plan to quilt your quilts yourself, a walking foot is a must! This one with a guide is even better so you can do less marking beforehand.
5. Of course you need thread for your machine, and I won't use anything other than Aurifil. It's the best quality so I would say grab a few neutral spools in 50wt and you'll be able to use it for almost everything.
6. A hera marker is so versatile for marking blocks or marking your quilt for quilting. It doesn't require refills and won't leave a permanent mark on your quilt. Every quilter needs one!
7. My top three most used rulers (and must haves!) are the 8.5" x 24", 12.5" square and 4.5" square. If I could only have three, this would be it. I also prefer the Creative Grids brand because they have a bit of a grip on the backside to prevent sticking and I like the clean black and white color scheme.
8. My favorite combo for ironing yardage and quilt blocks is this mister spray bottle and best press! I usually dilute a third with water and lightly spray anytime I'm pressing. It makes quilt top assembly a breeze and helps when it's time to baste your top.
9. Last, but not least, you need an iron and pressing mat. I love how well these wool mats work by heating from both sides, making pressing quick and easy. And if you're planning to make more than one quilt, you'll want your very own iron and Rowenta is tough to beat!
