This week I’m looking at Quilting Tools That Don’t Suck. These are four things that have been used extensively by me and put through their paces. Let’s take a look.
Quilting Tools That Don’t Suck
Creative Grids Rulers
Before Creative Grids rulers came on the market I used another brand and struggled to cut correctly without the ruler slipping. Once I started using Creative Grids rulers, that stopped. Creative Grids rulers have a non-slip surface on the back of their rulers. They still can slip if you are not putting pressure on the ruler, but not like other rulers slip.
At this point I have amassed quite the collection of Creative Grids rulers including multiple 24” long rulers, 12” long rulers and square rulers too. Creative Grids are the only rulers I will buy, and I even use their long arm rulers on my Bernina Q24 too.
Martelli Self-Healing Cutting Mats
I have used a few different self-healing cutting mats over the years, but in 2018 I invested in the extra large Martelli cutting mat which is 30” x 60”. The best part is, it fits the top of my cutting table. It is a double sided mat which I do turn over from time to time to use the other side. It is a high quality mat and well worth the money.
Wonder Clips
First off, I am talking about the real Clover Wonder Clips. Clover spent the money on the research and development of Wonder Clipst, so I spend my money with them. Yes, you can spend a fraction of the money on “sewing clips” from Amazon, but they are cheap and frequently break.
I often substitute Wonder Clips for pins when I can. They come in three different sizes (mini, standard, jumbo). I have all three sizes and I use them all the time.
Accuquilt
I purchased an Accuquilt GO Big Electric out of necessity. A number of years ago I partially tore a tendon in my right hand which is my cutting hand. As a result, I could not cut fabric with a rotary cutter at all.
The Accuquilt GO Big is more expensive than the GO Big (crank model), but if you have problems with your hands, it’s amazing. Also, if you continue to struggle with cutting fabric accurately, an Accuquilt could be a great purchase for you.
In addition to purchasing an Accuquilt GO machine, you also need to purchase dies to cut your fabric. Please know that only Accuquilt GO dies fit in their machines, so you can’t use Sizzix dies instead.
There are over 200 Accuquilt dies on the market. You can purchase dies for:
- Applique
- English Paper Piecing
- Strips
- Patterns such as LeMoyne Star
In addition, you can purchase die sets called GO Qubes. Qubes are mix and match die sets that you can use to make a number of different blocks. They come in block sizes from 4” – 16”.
My Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed Quilting Tools That Don’t Suck. These are four of the best tools I own that I use on a regular basis. I wouldn’t be quilting without them.
Coffee First Quilt Crew!
I have been sharing my quilting knowledge for almost two years through this blog and other channels. I’m very excited to announce that I am launching my first quilting course called The Quilting Quickstart! This course is for my beginner quilters as well as anybody that needs a refresher. This course will take you from taking your sewing machine out of the box to completing your first mini quilt top.
But here’s the really exciting part, I am giving away The Quilting Quickstart to one lucky winner! All you need to do is sign up here. By entering my giveaway, you will receive my weekly email where I share quilting tips, tutorials, product reviews and much more. I would love to see you in my course, so make sure you enter for your chance to win today.
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