| Quilting has recently become increasingly more popular | | | | many fancy stitches as most quilters only require the |
| in the past 30 years resulting in a huge upsurge in the | | | | machine to sew in a straight line. |
| number of supplies available to the quilting enthusiast. | | | | You will need two sets of really good quality scissors; |
| With so many wonderful tools available it can now be | | | | one for paper and one for fabric. Cutting paper with |
| quite confusing to sift through what is an essential | | | | your fabric scissors will ruin them very quickly so be |
| supply and what is not. Technically speaking, the | | | | sure to keep them labeled and separate. A good idea |
| modern day quilter does not require more than a good | | | | is to make sure they are a different color so you can |
| sewing machine, scissors, needles and thread but the | | | | tell them apart. A rotary cutter and a mat will also |
| selection of these available is also enormous. | | | | quickly become your new best friend making the job |
| The most basic requirement will be a good, reliable | | | | of cutting quilt pieces in bulk a lot easier. The mat is |
| sewing machine. You could technically go without a | | | | essential to protect your cutting surface from damage. |
| sewing machine and quilt by hand, but most people | | | | These are two of the most convenient tools available |
| prefer the convenience that a sewing machine brings, | | | | and should be on your list of essential quilting supplies |
| especially for piecing together the blocks on the quilt | | | | as they will save you much time and make the hobby |
| top. When it comes to selecting a machine it is wise to | | | | more enjoyable. |
| purchase the best that you can afford. The sales staff | | | | Another essential requirement for quilting will obviously |
| at your local sewing machine retailer should be able to | | | | be a quilt pattern. First choose the type of quilt block |
| explain to you the differences in the machines and find | | | | you wish to make and then purchase the pattern so |
| one that suits your needs and your budget. Be sure to | | | | that you have detailed directions on that specific block. |
| explain to them that you will be using it for quilting and | | | | The pattern will also provide information about |
| explain what other needs you may have from your | | | | techniques and sewing instructions that you may not |
| machine. If you only require the machine for quilting, you | | | | know without it. |
| probably will not need one that is capable of doing | | | | |