Lindsey’s 5 Favorite Notions

Hello! If you are new to quilting, you may be thinking, “What tools do I need?” So, I decided to make a list of my top 5 favorite notions for quilting. In the quilting and sewing world, notions refer to the necessary small tools. I use these notions with every quilt and sewing project because they make the process much easier!

1. Fiskars Ergo Control Rotary Cutter

Of all the rotary cutters I have used, this one tops them all. It has a safety switch, which, once the blade is engaged, will only extend when the handle is squeezed. As a mom of a small child, this extra safety measure gives me peace of mind as I work!

2. Quilter’s Select Ruler

This ruler is the only brand of ruler that I use! When I was younger, I always asked my mom to cut out all of my fabric because other rulers would always slip as I was making a cut. Then, I found these! Not only do they not slip, but the numbers and markings on the ruler are small and don’t impede the lines you are trying to cut on. These rulers come in multiple sizes, but I typically use the 6″ x 12″ or the 8.5″ x 24″.

You can find these rulers at the Fat Quarter Shop online here.

 

3. Pilot FriXion Pens

As a quilter and designer, I make a lot of half square triangles or flying geese. Just thinking about all the diagonal lines I draw makes my head dizzy! For this purpose, these pens are my go-to. The best part? The lines disappear with heat! So after you’ve drawn your lines, sewed your seams, and trimmed, iron out your fabric and boom — the lines are gone!

One thing to note, however, is that the lines may reappear if you stick the fabric in the freezer. My mom and her quilting friends tested this out at their Girl Scout Quilt Camp. So if you live in a frozen tundra like me for more than half the year, try not to take your quilts outside if you’ve used these pens!

If you don’t know what a flying geese block is, I have a tutorial here!

4. Dritz Glass Head Pins

Pinning fabric is, in my opinion, the worst part of any sewing project. Albeit helpful, I don’t enjoy how tedious it is. However, when I do need to pin for nesting seams and stitching long seams, etc., I like to use these:

I also use these flathead flower pins, but I caution you because these pins are so incredibly sharp! It’s a miracle that I still have all of my fingers. I like to use them when I am quilting a table runner or using heavier fabric such as flannel or minky.

Need help nesting your seams? Find my Nesting Seams Tutorial here.

5. Rowenta Pro Steam Iron

This iron is a beast! It is made in Germany and heavy enough to do all of the work, so I don’t have to! Ironing is a sich with Rowenta.

Well, there it is folks! If you don’t have any of my five favorite quilting notions yet, I encourage you to go get them. Happy quilting!