Every quilter has their necessary tools, their iron, their scissors, rulers and the like. However for me it doesn't just stop there.
Over my years of quilting, I have come across a considerable number of small accessories and tools that would simply make quilting so much time consuming without them. The funny part is they aren't even huge things, just little things here and there that save me a minute or two at a time.
Chaco Liners
Chaco liners look a lot like permanent markers, however they are very different. Instead of permanently marking your fabric, these liners contain a powder type tip that is meant to leave a mark, although not permanently.
The basic idea behind these is that you can mark out the measurements as needed and then when its no longer needed, clean it off quickly and easily. Good for anybody working on a custom quilt pattern or patchwork quilt.
They also are refillable, so when you finish one, you can just unscrew the cartridge and swap it for a new one.
Thread Rack
This is a superb simple to use device that has saved me numerous minutes searching for the right thread. This is a rack divided up into a grid. Where each grid meets is a little dowl that sticks out, which you can put a spool of thread on.
I have prepared mine in a rainbow color order so I am able to quickly locate the color thread I need and begin sewing. No more rumaging around your sewing box for the right color spool.
You can also get ones that stand vertically and have a roatating base to help select your threads, like a greeting card rack.
5 in 1 Sliding Gauge
This looks like one of those T-squares your teacher utilized in mathematics class. The difference is that this one has an adjustable slider.
It's a real wonder tool and is perfect for marking out button holes, seam allowances and hem length, just to name a couple!
Its these little things that help me save minutes here and there. These minutes then start turning into hours and shortly you'll find you can't live without them either!
Over my years of quilting, I have come across a considerable number of small accessories and tools that would simply make quilting so much time consuming without them. The funny part is they aren't even huge things, just little things here and there that save me a minute or two at a time.
Chaco Liners
Chaco liners look a lot like permanent markers, however they are very different. Instead of permanently marking your fabric, these liners contain a powder type tip that is meant to leave a mark, although not permanently.
The basic idea behind these is that you can mark out the measurements as needed and then when its no longer needed, clean it off quickly and easily. Good for anybody working on a custom quilt pattern or patchwork quilt.
They also are refillable, so when you finish one, you can just unscrew the cartridge and swap it for a new one.
Thread Rack
This is a superb simple to use device that has saved me numerous minutes searching for the right thread. This is a rack divided up into a grid. Where each grid meets is a little dowl that sticks out, which you can put a spool of thread on.
I have prepared mine in a rainbow color order so I am able to quickly locate the color thread I need and begin sewing. No more rumaging around your sewing box for the right color spool.
You can also get ones that stand vertically and have a roatating base to help select your threads, like a greeting card rack.
5 in 1 Sliding Gauge
This looks like one of those T-squares your teacher utilized in mathematics class. The difference is that this one has an adjustable slider.
It's a real wonder tool and is perfect for marking out button holes, seam allowances and hem length, just to name a couple!
Its these little things that help me save minutes here and there. These minutes then start turning into hours and shortly you'll find you can't live without them either!
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To get more excellent tips about the best way to make a patchwork quilt, check out Jane Green's how to make a patchwork quilt internet site now!
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