If you’ve decided to take up quilting, there are a few beginner quilting tools in Albuquerque, NM that you’ll need to acquire. These beginner quilting supplies will help you to get started and allow you to create basic quilts. As your skills improve and you are ready to move on to more complicated designs, you can add to your tools and supplies. To get started, gather the following beginner quilting tools.
Rotary cutter
This is your go-to tool for cutting fabric. From basic straight lines to more intricate designs, a rotary cutter allows you to quickly and accurately cut the material for an attractive finish.
Rotary cutters are available in a variety of sizes and styles. When you’re shopping for beginner quilting supplies in Albuquerque, NM, you may want to buy a simple, straight cutter with a 45 mm blade.
Self-healing cutting mat
As you use your rotary cutter, you’ll need a self-healing cutting mat to place underneath the fabric. This protects the surface and helps maintain a sharp blade on the cutter. These mats are also available in a variety of sizes. A good size is 24” x 36”. This surface is large enough for a range of projects and still fits on most table surfaces.
However, keep in mind that your mat will need to be stored flat, so consider your storage space as you choose a mat. You may need to purchase a foldable mat, or choose a smaller mat, such as 18” x 24”.
Acrylic cutting ruler
This tool is also paired with your rotary cutter to create the pieces you need for your quilt. The ruler is transparent and grips to the fabric for accurate and safe cutting. The ruler offers various measurements to help you create a variety of projects, and gives you a straight edge to follow while using your rotary cutter.
To start, you may want to invest in two rulers of different sizes. As your skills and projects expand, you may want to add more rulers to your collection.
Iron and ironing board
To make the fabric easier to work with, you’ll need an iron and ironing board. A basic iron is fine—all you need is an iron that has a steam option and a high setting. A travel iron is often a good solution to save space and to work on small pieces.
Safety pins
Even the smallest quilts typically require the use of at least 50 safety pins. You’ll use these to baste your quilt. For most types of batting, the best size to use is 1.5” long (#2 safety pins).
Find everything you need
The Quilt Works Inc. is your one-stop shop for all of your quilting needs. We have everything from fabrics to kits to notions to thread and more. We also offer classes to help you learn how to use beginner quilting tools in Albuquerque, NM. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable in quilting, and we often help customers with design ideas and techniques. Stop in today or contact us at 505-298-8210.