Skip to main content

5 Tools for Accurate Quilting


 
1. Spray Starch

I won't sew without this...
Everyone needs a good spray starch when piecing blocks. Using fabric when it's stiff makes a world of difference when running it under the needle, you'll have so much more control and accuracy.

I use Marry Ellen's Best Press. I literally buy it by the gallon*.


2. Wool Mat

Wool Pressing Mats are all the rage, and you'll know why when you get one! These babies retain heat, which allows you to iron both sides of the fabric at the same time, plus, provides a stiff pressing surface to not distort your fabric. You also might want a small one* paired with your mini iron* next to your machine!


3. PILOT FriXion Pens & Markers

This has been a game-changer for me! These are great for using to trace templates, mark your half square triangles and mark your quilting lines. I love that they come in multiple colors, so they are versatile on different colored fabrics. I do use the marker version* on my fabrics too, they write quicker, but aren't as fine!

A few pointers, these markers and pens erase with heat, so you can use a hot iron or even a blow dryer to remove the marks, but know that sometimes the marks will return in extreme cold. You can avoid this by washing your quilt or cross-stitch with a light detergent*. I've had no problems.


4. Hot Iron

This may seem like a no-brainer, but a good quality iron can save hours of pressing. I happen to adore my Panasonic cordless for a few reasons. It gets hot, quickly, it has a pointed front and matching back, so I can use both ends to press seams, and of course it's cordless. I can grab it and take it to my smaller pressing boards across the room as needed.


5. Quarter Inch Guided Pressure Foot

I don't piece without this! The 1/4" guide keeps me on track with consistent seam allowances. Make sure you find one that fits your machine!




And remember, accurate cutting goes a long way for accurate quilting, check out my blog post on keeping your tools sharp!




*This site does incorporate paid advertising and affiliate links. Finding Pins & Needles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The wheels on the bus: Bus driver gift

Make a SWEET treat to say thanks to your bus driver for keeping your child safe this year. Feel free to use my free printable stop sign card and mason jar lid label! Materials Mason jar  (I used  half pint Ball jars ) Wide Gumball's 1st School Day School Buses  Fabric Pinking Sheers Ribbon or twine Candy Examples: red and yellow m&m's, 1/2 in gumballs and I used  Jolly Ranchers  and  Twizzlers Rainbow Twists . Optional: Rectangle hole punch A little tip for the Jolly Rancher jar: I used a cut piece of paper towel roll to create the inside structure, it makes it much easier to create a design. I used pinking sheers to trim out the cardboard edges and then stuffed it full of more Jolly Ranchers.  Click for PDF. Stop sign card and mason jar top are for personal use only, do not redistribute. If you use them and share pictures, please give credit back to FindingPinsAndNeedles.com. Thanks and enjoy! Please join our   flick r  group  and

Personalized Pencil Drink Sleeve

It's important that we show the teachers in our kid's lives that they are appreciated. I wanted to make something personalized for their  Christmas gifts  this year and thanks to  Crafty Staci and her tutorial  I was able to come up with something pretty cute.

Sleeve Sweater Dress Tutorial: for your AG doll

I was in the mood to up-cycle some old clothes, and sweaters have so  many possibilities. In my pile of too worn out, too small, too dated clothes, I found my husband's sweater that has shrunk. It was an XL, it looks more like a large now. The sleeves are perfect for making 18" doll clothes (American Girl).  So, here's what you've been waiting for... the Sleeve Sweater Dress tutorial... Materials and Tools: A sweater: Mens large or bigger or a Woman's equivelant size A doll for fitting (This is designed for an 18" American doll) Scissors Pinking Shears (optional) Snap Sharpie Marker Thread Sewing Machine Ruler Pins Optional Materials (see Accessorize ) Cutting: First measure and cut about 12" up from the bottom of the sleeve (this will be the body of the dress). Next measure about 6" up from the remaining sleeve and cut again (the arms of the dress). None of these measurements are real exact for 2 reasons, 1) you're deali