Below are my quilting tool recommendations, which I have conveniently grouped into sections. Each item is linked to Amazon making it easy for you to purchase. If I've written a review of the item, you can click on the item's name to read the review.
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This month's "Good Thing"
Dear Jen Quilt Pattern booklet by Jen Kingwell
Basic Rotary Cutting Tools and Notions
These items make up what I consider the "basic" kit you need to be productive as a quilter. If you're a new or beginning quilter, these are your first investments. I heartily endorse the Creative Grids rulers because I can see through them clearly, they do not slip, and most of them have additional lines to help with lining up fabric, helping you make excellent cuts. Another plus is that almost all of them have instructional videos on YouTube where you can learn better ways to use the ruler, and these videos can be easily accessed from a mobile device by scanning the QR code that is printed directly on the ruler.
Basic Sewing Notions for Quilters
These items make up what I call a "Basic Sewing Kit for Quilters." You may have a lot of these items already, but when it comes time to replace them, here are the ones I think are your best bet to get the job done.
1/4" Sewing Foot:
Kai Scissors
A good hot Iron
Aurifil 100% 50 wt. Thread
Clover Seam Ripper
Magnetic Pin Holder
Long Glass-Head Pins
Flower-Head Pins
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Specialty Rulers & Tools for Quilters
There are a ton of specialty rulers on the market, and it's hard to know which ones are worthy of your investment. I consider the rulers listed below to be my "special" workhorses, as they have greatly improved my accuracy and given me exceptional results.
Fat Robin for Mariner's Compass Blocks
Skinny Robin for Mariner's Compass Blocks
Quick Curve Ruler
Quick Curve Ruler - Mini
Add-a-Quarter Rulers
A must-have for trimming seams when paper piecing
English Paper Piecing Recommendations
Best Tools and Notions for Applique
YLI Silk Thread
Karen K Buckley Perfect Scissors
Karen K. Buckley Perfect Circles
Roxanne Glue Baste
Best tools, notions and fun stuff for Quilt Retreats
Quilt retreats and sewing group days are my favorite part of quilting. I try to keep a bag ready to go at a moments notice in case some friends call and say "Let's Sew!" I've found the tools and notions listed below to make my sewing excursions a lot more pleasant.
Dress the part - Show your spirit
A wardrobe essential for every quilter.
My comfy quilting tees are the first thing I pack for every retreat.
Mini Travel Iron
This little guy is super HOT! And takes up so much less space in my travel case.
Portable Ironing Surface
The ironing board isn't going to fit in your trunk, so pack this instead.
Sewing Machine Caddy
There are more expensive sewing machine totes out there, but this brand has served me well for over 5 years.
Large Tote Bag
I take a LOT of fabric with me when I retreat. I love the way I can stack the fabric in these large totes.
Hand Sewing Kit Bag
I love to keep all my hand sewing notions together in one place so it's a quick grab when going to retreats or trips. This version is roomy enough to also hold a small project.
Folding Portable Table
Because there is never enough room on the tables at the retreat center.
Water Bottle
Because sewing is a workout and you've got to stay hydrated.
Best tools and notions to organize your sewing room
Artbin Boxes
Artbin Storage Cubes
I have two of these that I use for organizing scraps. I added the Artbin casters so I could easily move them around.
Bobbin Buddies
I love how these keep my bobbins organized with my threads.
Tool Tree
While these are great for coffee mugs, too, it looks a lot better with Rotary Cutters and Scissors hanging off it!
Tool Caddy
A great item for keeping tools organized.
Document Box
I use boxes like this to store templates and applique patterns
Magazine Holder
My goto storage item for magazines and patterns
Cubby Boxes
I love these for organizing specialty fabrics (such as wool, silk, etc.)
Fabric Storage Baskets
I use these in my studio to store large projects