My Must-Have Quilting Supplies (And Where to Get Them)
As a quilter, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are my personal favorite supplies that I use and love – and yes, I actually own every single one of these!
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1. Fiskars Rotary Cutter and Mat
A good rotary cutter and mat are the foundation of every quilter’s workspace, and this Fiskars set is what I reach for every single time I sit down to cut. I use the 60mm blade because it’s strong enough to cut through multiple layers of fabric at once, which is a huge time-saver when you’re cutting strips for a large quilt top or working with thicker fabrics. If you’re just starting out, it might be tempting to grab a smaller blade, but I’d steer you toward the 60mm — you’ll outgrow anything smaller fast once you start quilting regularly.
Every quilter needs a good self-healing cutting mat to protect their table and get accurate, precise cuts, and this is the one I use in my sewing room every single day. I chose the 24”x36” size because it’s the perfect fit for all my quilting needs — big enough to lay out fat quarters and long strips without constantly repositioning my fabric, but still manageable to store when I’m not using it. The grid lines make it so much easier to line up your ruler and get straight, accurate cuts every time, which matters more than you’d think when you’re piecing a quilt top.
Cordless scissors are a game changer for quilters — no more tangled cords getting in your way at the cutting table! I use the Gartol cordless scissors, and they’ve become one of my most-reached-for tools. They’re incredibly strong, easily cutting through multiple layers of fabric without any extra effort, which takes so much strain off your hands compared to traditional fabric scissors. If you’ve ever finished a long cutting session with sore fingers, these are worth every penny — they make the whole process feel effortless.
Every quilter needs to stay hydrated during long sewing sessions and quilt retreats, and my bubble gum pink Stanley Quencher has become an essential part of my kit. It holds ice for days, so I never have to worry about my drink getting warm, even during a full day of cutting and piecing. The handle makes it so easy to carry from room to room, and the design keeps it from spilling even when it gets bumped around a busy retreat table. It genuinely goes everywhere with me — sewing room, retreats, road trips to the fabric store.
5. Non-Slip Rulers (Charm and Layer Cake Sizes)
No quilter’s toolkit is complete without a good set of non-slip rulers, and I keep both a 5” charm square ruler and a 10” layer cake ruler within arm’s reach at all times. The non-slip backing is a small detail that makes a big difference — it grips the fabric so your ruler doesn’t shift mid-cut, which means cleaner, more accurate pieces every time. Having both sizes on hand means I’m always ready to cut down charm packs or layer cakes without hunting for the right tool first.
These are the tools I reach for every single time I sit down to quilt, and after 15+ years of stitching, I’ve learned that the right supplies really do make the process more enjoyable – not just more efficient. If you’re building your own quilting toolkit, start with these five, and you’ll have a solid foundation to grow from. Here’s to many more happy hours at the cutting table. Happy quilting! 🧵
