Today, I would like to share some of my favorite quilting tools and why I like them. It is always fun to know what others like and why, so I thought I would share some of what I like.
Of course, most quilters agree that you need a really good rotary cutter and mat with rulers. When I first started quilting, these items did not seem to exist, or if they did, I didn't know about them. When I made my first quilt it was from a book about Amish quilts, I have since lost the book and the quilt, but I remember having to cut a cardboard template, and then using scissors to cut probably 1000 - 1 or 1 1/2" squares. That was a lot of work. Since then, I have used a rotary cutter and mat and have been glad to have those in my arsenal.
Tailors Clapper - The day I discovered this really changed my quilting. I was taking a class and someone shared why they use one. Since I started using one, my blocks lay flat and look really great. To use a clapper, after you press your seams, lay the clapper on the seam, it only needs about 30 seconds, and it pulls the heat from the block and makes the block lay really flat.
Iron - A really good iron is essential for quilting. You don't always have to buy the most expensive iron, but you do want a good one, and sometimes you just have to try different brands. When I teach my classes, I have a couple of the small steamfast irons that I use and they really work well.
Quilty Clips - These cute little clips are awesome. I use them when I put my binding on, because I have been scratched and poked way too many times when I have used pins.
I hope you have enjoyed learning about some of my favorite quilting tools and why I like them.
