What Are Quilting Notions? | Which Notions Are Essential?

It can be so exciting to begin quilting! All of the beautiful colors and patterns of fabric seem to jump out and tell you to buy them, but you are not done once have your quilt pattern and fabrics chosen. You still have a few more things that you need in order to get started, and they are called quilting notions.

What Are Quilting Notions? They are tools that help in the construction of a quilt.

There are dozens to choose from, but all of them are not necessary for every quilt. This list will provide you with the most popular quilting notions to help you to decide which ones will be right for you when you get started.

1. Cutting Mat with Ruler: These are arguably the most essential items needed for making a quilt. A self-healing mat should be used so that the rotary cutter does not leave grooves on it. The ruler should be an acrylic, see-through, ruler made for use with the mat.

These items will make quilting easier for you by allowing you to cut your strips, triangles and squares easily and accurately. They have markings to make it easier to cut the most popular sizes of the most popular shapes.

2. Rotary Cutter: This handy tool allows you to cut as you roll what looks like a pizza cutter right through your fabric. Use it with the acrylic ruler mentioned above by running it alongside the edge of the ruler. This allows for nice straight lines each time.

Place your non-dominant hand firmly on the acrylic ruler to keep it from slipping, keeping your fingers away from the edge. Use your dominant hand to roll the rotary cutter, applying consistent pressure as you go. Always have extra blades on hand for when they begin to dull.

3. Template Rulers: In addition to the regular acrylic ruler that you will use with your mat, you can also find an array of template rulers that help you cut out specific shapes without turning the fabric on the mat. Triangle and square templates are the most popular, but other designs are also available. You can use them on the mat with the rotary cutter, or you can trace them and cut them out with scissors.

There are also template rulers that are meant to be used with precut fabrics. For example, there are jelly roll rulers to be used with jelly rolls, which are long precut fabric strips in coordinating patterns. Large pieces of fabric can be cumbersome, so these save time and stress.

4. Basting Spray: If you do not want to pin your quilt, then this basting spray will help you keep your quilt sandwich together until you get the quilting finished. It temporarily holds the layers in place, but will not gum up your needle.

While it does work on large quilts, it is not as cost effective as pins since they can be reused. It is perfect for smaller projects, such as wall hangings or table runners.

5. Curved Safety Pins: If you do not use a basting spray, then safety pins are the best way to hold your quilt sandwich together for quilting. Curved safety pins work best for quilting because they can go through all of the layers without pulling or putting stress on the fabrics.

Place pins throughout the entire quilt, every ten to twelve inches. If you only pin around the outside, the layers will shift. Store your safety pins in the open position, in a tin, to save time.

6. Quilting Hoop or Rack: If you are going to be doing any hand quilting, then you will definitely want to use a quilting hoop. The quilting hoop is placed around the area you are quilting and holds the quilt sandwich taut while you are stitching.

You can also use a larger quilting rack instead, but it needs to stay in one place. The hoop is nice because it is smaller and portable. You can easily complete your quilting in your lap with the hoop.

7. Quilting Clips: These handy little clips are perfect to use when adding binding to the edge of your quilt. They are easier to use than pins, do not slip, and hold the pieces together evenly.

Quilting clips also work great for smaller projects such as mug rugs or place mats. They can replace the need for basting spray and/or curved safety pins in small projects.

8. Quilting Pencils or Quilting Markers: Either one will work to mark where you need cut, to trace a pattern or to draw on a stencil for quilting. Just be sure to pick the right one for your needs. Be sure they are designated for quilting.

Some are water soluble and will simply wash out. If you are making something that may not be washed right away, such as a wall hanging, then you will want one that either fades away on its own or one that will fade when heat is applied. This way you can have the mark removed quickly without washing.

9. Beeswax: Some people would not even think of quilting without using beeswax on their thread. While it is not necessary to use, it does make quilting through all of those layers a bit smoother.

Beeswax also strengthens the thread while you are working with it to add some stability to your quilting. To make it easier to wax your thread, do not remove the beeswax from holder. Simply glide your thread through the holder.

10. Stencils: One of the most exciting parts of quilting is choosing what designs you will stitch onto your quilt. There are many options from simply stitching rows to stitching around the actual designs on the fabric. Most people choose to use a stencil.

Stencils are available in all shapes and sizes. You can choose them just for the borders of your quilt or for inside the squares as well. You will want to choose a stencil that fits nicely with the pattern of block you have chosen.

11. Quilting Grip Gloves: These gloves are designed with grippers that help hold onto the fabric. This allows you to guide the fabric more easily while machine quilting.

Quilting gloves are particularly helpful if you have arthritis or carpal tunnel. This is because they help to reduce tension in your back and neck by gripping onto the fabric. Be sure to check for sizes and get a pair that is comfortable for you.

12. Seam Ripper: The seam ripper may just become one of your best friends while quilting. It allows you to remove stitches easily if you stitched in the wrong place or did not catch all of the layers.

Seam rippers are priced as low as ninety-nine cents, but it is recommended that you spend a few extra dollars to get one with a comfort grip. It makes a big difference if you need to take out more than just a few stitches.

In Conclusion

Now that you know all about the most important quilting notions, be sure to add them to your quilting tools. A successful and stress-free quilt is dependent on having the right notions. Now you can relax and enjoy the process!