1. Sewing Machine - There are many brands, makes, and models, but for basic piecing all you need is a machine that will accurately stitch a 1/4" seam. Unfortunately, this is actually harder to find than it sounds. Many sewing machines these days are built too complicated, with way too many bells, whistles, and gadgets attached to them than necessary.

Of course, one machine isn't going to fit everyone, but my personal recommendations are to look for a machine that is mechanical, meaning it does not have many computerized parts. The more computerized a machine is, the more parts there are to break or get off just slightly enough to make your stitches imperfect.

You will also need a machine that has a 1/4" piecing foot or has the ability to change needle positions so that you can create a perfect 1/4" seam. This is extremely important to the outcome of any blocks that you piece because if you're off even 1/16" then this small amount will be transferred through every block and across the whole surface of your quilt.

If your sewing machine is unable to stitch a straight line or maintain its tension, you might want to consider purchasing a new machine. This is not an easy or quick process, so please read the following article on picking the right sewing machine for you.

It goes without saying that with a sewing machine, you need a good supply of sewing machine needles. You should always change your needles out at least once a month.

2. Scissors - Several pairs of sharp scissors that fit comfortably in your hand is always a must have. Don't immediately go for the teeny tiny scissors either. Those things barely fit through my fingers and certainly aren't comfortable! Look for big wide handles, but short blades so that clipping threads or fabric will be easy, not a chore.

3. Straight Pins - There are probably more different types of pins than there are quilters in the world! For piecing, you'll want pins that are around 1" long and very, very thin. For applique blocks you will want to purchase applique needles (these are very small, 1/2" long, sharp needles).

4. Pincushions - Now that you have pins, you'll need a place to keep them. I prefer the magnetic grabbit pincushions because they save you time from having to stick each pin individually back into the cushion. I typically keep one cushion for straight pins and one cushion for basting safety pins so they don't get mixed up.

5. Iron and Ironing Board - You'll want an iron that gets hot very quickly and an ironing board that's convenient for you to use. Picking an iron is almost as complicated these days as picking a sewing machine. It seems to be a consensus that you'll eventually need 2 irons, one that you baby and take care of like your first born child, and a cheap one that you throw out once you've stuck too much glue to the bottom of it.

I personally use the cheapest, Wal-mart brand iron for my crap iron. It was $5 and I don't think twice about using it with heat & bond, glue, fusible interfacing, or starch. For my nice iron, I use a Panasonic Cordless Iron that was around $30 online. I use this iron for ironing plain, 100% cotton fabrics only. It doesn't come near my art quilts or glue!

These tools and notions are really the basics of what you need for machine piecing. As you can see, you really don't need a ton of gadgets and gizmos. There are some tools that do make your life easier, but if you'll only need them once in a blue moon, chances are they'll just get in your way rather than really help you.

This information and Video was taken from "Stitch it Up a Notch: How to Piece Perfect Quilts"

Learn how to cut and piece your quilts perfectly with this full color digital guidebook and over 2 hours of video demonstrations!

 

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