Get to know patchwork accessories and understand the purpose of each patchwork tool. In this blog post, we’ll help you get up to speed with our expert knowledge.
The most important points at a glance
- In this post, you will learn which patchwork accessories are available
- and how you can use them
- We will provide sources for the individual tools
- and reveal budget-friendly alternatives wherever possible
What is patchwork equipment?
Patchwork is a textile art in which pieces of fabric of different colors, patterns, or textures are sewn together into a larger whole to create a blanket, wall hanging, or other textile objects. The fabric pieces can be cut into various shapes and arranged into geometric patterns or complex designs. Patchwork accessories help you master the special requirements that arise when doing patchwork.
Patchwork is a wonderful hobby where you can let your creativity run wild and at the same time create something useful and beautiful. If the subject is completely new to you, the posts Patchwork or Quilting, Patchwork, Appliqué can provide a great introduction to the topic.
But to patch successfully and with joy, you need the right equipment. From needle and thread to specialized tools and machines, there is a multitude of materials that can make patchwork easier and better.
In this regard, as a beginner, it is easy to quickly lose track of things.
In this blog post, I will show you what you really need and provide you with the fundamental knowledge about the necessary equipment. With these tips and the right patchwork accessories, your first projects will succeed in no time, and you will be thrilled with your first self-made patchwork projects!
Even if you already have a lot of experience with this wonderful hobby, we hope this information is helpful and assists you in further improving your patchwork skills. :)
Birgit's Project Tip: Sewing a patchwork bag
Which fabrics are suitable for patchwork?
If you want to sew a patchwork quilt that will be washed often, I would recommend cotton fabrics.
Cotton is a popular material for patchwork. It is easy to work with, durable, and hard-wearing. This is particularly important when you are making a patchwork quilt or another project that will be washed frequently. Cotton is also breathable, has a smooth surface, and therefore feels pleasant on the skin.
There is a wide range of cotton fabrics in various colors and patterns.
If you want to sew a patchwork quilt that will be used and loved for years, it is worth buying higher-quality patchwork fabrics. They are perfectly suited for patchwork. This is due to their finer weave, which distinguishes them from conventional cotton fabrics. This provides a smoother surface, making the finished quilt feel simply delightful.
If you feel overwhelmed by the huge selection of patchwork fabrics, then a fabric bundle is a great alternative. These are available from many well-known fabric designers with fabrics of the same quality and coordinated colors and patterns.
If you want to start with simple and inexpensive decorative fabrics, that is also perfectly fine - as long as you use fabric of the same quality.
If you feel confident enough to mix different materials, combine fabrics with similar material properties. Because using different fabric qualities like polyester, jersey, silk, or corduroy together in one piece has its pitfalls, and I would advise against it, especially at the beginning of your patchwork career.
READING TIP: Sewing with cotton fabrics
What is a Jelly Roll?
A Jelly Roll is a type of fabric bundle or fabric strip used in patchwork and quilt making. It consists of a collection of fabric strips that are usually cut to a width of 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) and generally cover the full width of the fabric, meaning about 42-44 inches (106-112 cm). The strips are rolled into a bundle and tied together with a ribbon or bow, hence the name "Jelly Roll".
Jelly Rolls are often available in coordinated color or design themes, making them a practical option for quilters who want to combine different fabrics without having to buy many individual pieces of yardage. With Jelly Rolls, quilters can quickly and easily create quilt blocks, strips, and borders by cutting, rearranging, and sewing the strips together.
Jelly Rolls are also part of the Moda product range, which is a well-known brand for patchwork and quilting fabrics. Other manufacturers and brands have similar products with different names, but the concept remains essentially the same: a bundle of pre-cut fabric strips that can be used for sewing patchwork projects.
What are batik fabrics?
Have you perhaps heard of batik fabrics before? These fabrics are created using a special dyeing technique where the fabric is covered with liquid wax and then immersed in dye. The wax prevents the dye from adhering to the covered areas, resulting in unique and versatile patterns.
They are made of high-quality cotton and have a high thread count, which makes them durable and hard-wearing. The unique pattern and play of colors created by the hand-dyeing process make them perfect for individual and personal patchwork projects. Additionally, there is a wide color selection ranging from bold to pastel tones.
Batik fabrics can be combined very well with one another. Furthermore, batik fabrics can also be mixed well with other fabric designs or solid-colored fabrics to create additional contrast and depth.
Which sewing thread is suitable for patchwork?
All-purpose threads are a good choice due to their high tensile strength and versatility, not only when sewing clothing but also for patchwork. They are strong enough to sew through many types and thicknesses of fabric without splitting or breaking.
Broken seams really annoy me, so for me, there is no alternative to good thread.
If you want to know how to properly store sewing thread, you will find inspiration in this post.
How do you use spray adhesive?
Spray adhesive is also sometimes called "temporary fabric adhesive." It helps you to bond your multi-layered patchwork projects efficiently—but only temporarily!
The spray adhesive is applied thinly over a large area, and the fabric layers are pressed firmly together. You should ensure that no wrinkles form and that the fabrics lie flat. The adhesive does not gum up the sewing machine needle, so you can sew directly over it.
If you want even more knowledge on the subject of gluing fabric, you will find everything relevant in the post Gluing fabric.
Which sewing thread is suitable for quilting?
Unlike normal sewing thread, machine quilting thread is thicker and stronger so that the seams in the quilt are more visible and create a striking texture.
It is available in a wide variety of colors. I especially like multicolored threads. With a multicolor thread, you don't have to constantly change the thread to match the color in different parts of the project. Instead, you can focus on sewing and let the thread do the work automatically. It is also more resistant than conventional sewing thread, and you don't have to worry about the seams breaking after washing.
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Which sewing machine needles are suitable for patchwork?
When sewing patchwork fabrics, I use size 80 universal sewing machine needles. When you buy sewing machine needles, it is important to pay attention to quality. High-quality needles made of robust steel are more durable and break or bend less often. They glide effortlessly through the fabric and do not pull threads. Alternatively, quilting needles or titanium needles are also great.
Pins or clips when patchwork sewing
For patchwork projects, I use patchwork pins. They are longer than regular pins and especially sharp.
Clips are also very practical when you need to temporarily hold several layers of fabric together. Sturdy Magic Clips, in particular, hold fabrics together reliably.
Which method you ultimately choose depends on your preference and your project. Try them out to see which you get along with better.
Which rulers are needed for patchwork?
There are different types of rulers that can be used for patchwork. Some common rulers for patchwork include:
Quilting ruler: A long, straight ruler with markings in inches or centimeters, used specifically for cutting fabric strips or squares. It is often 6x24 inches (approx. 15x60 cm) and is well-suited for cutting long strips or larger pieces of fabric.
Square ruler: A square ruler with markings in inches or centimeters, used for cutting square pieces of fabric. There are different sizes of square rulers, for example 6x6 inches (approx. 15x15 cm), 9x9 inches (approx. 23x23 cm), or 12x12 inches (approx. 30x30 cm), depending on the size of the squares needed for the patchwork project.
Triangle ruler: A ruler with angle measurements, used for cutting triangles or other angled shapes. There are different types of triangle rulers, such as right-angle triangle rulers or 60-degree triangle rulers, which can be used for specific patchwork patterns.
Specialty rulers: There are also special rulers for specific patchwork techniques, such as applique rulers for precise cutting of applique pieces or curve rulers for cutting curved parts.
It is important to use high-quality rulers and cut precisely according to the pattern instructions to achieve accurate results in patchwork. It can also be helpful to have different rulers in various sizes on hand to implement different patchwork projects.
Which scissors are suitable for patchwork?
In patchwork, there are different types of scissors suitable for different tasks. Here are some types of scissors that are well-suited for patchwork work:
- Fabric scissors: Special scissors for cutting fabric are indispensable for patchwork. They should have sharp blades and feel comfortable in the hand to allow for precise cuts. It is important to use fabric scissors exclusively for fabric to ensure optimal cutting performance.
- Rotary cutter: A rotary cutter is a sharp wheel that is guided along the edge of a ruler or template to create precise, straight cuts. Rotary cutters are good for cutting straight lines and large amounts of fabric, e.g., for strips or squares.
- Pinking shears: Pinking shears have serrated blades and are often used to finish fabric edges to prevent fraying. They can also be used to create decorative edges on fabric pieces used in patchwork projects.
- Small tailor's scissors: Small tailor's scissors with fine points are practical for precise cuts on small fabric pieces or when cutting seam allowances. They can also be used to neatly round off corners.
- Applique scissors: Applique scissors often have a curved or angled blade that facilitates the precise cutting of small details when appliqueing fabric pieces. Due to their wide, flat blade, applique scissors are sometimes called duckbill scissors.
It is important to maintain, clean, and oil scissors regularly so that they cut optimally.
Reading tip: Fabric scissors test: The best scissors in all price ranges
Do I need a rotary cutter?
For me, the rotary cutter and the matching ruler are almost the most important tools in patchwork. With a sharp blade and a practical handle, you can cut through several layers of fabric almost effortlessly with the right rotary cutter, achieving precise and clean cuts.
But it's not just about precision: the rotary cutter also saves time and effort compared to cutting with scissors. Simply lay out the fabric, place the ruler, and guide the rotary cutter along it - and the fabric is perfectly cut. With a little practice, you won't want to be without a rotary cutter anymore!
The rotary cutters from Olfa, Prym, and Fiskars are very good. If you have sensitive wrists, you might want to opt for a rotary cutter with an ergonomic handle.
Which rotary cutter do you really need?
If you are working on small and curvy projects, a small rotary cutter is like a precise pen, allowing you to make small and exact cuts. Here, rotary cutters with a blade size of 18 mm or 28 mm are ideal.
If, however, you are working on a larger and straight-lined project, you need a larger rotary cutter that cuts long and straight fabric pieces perfectly—even through several layers of fabric.
For this, a rotary cutter with a blade size of 45 mm or 60 mm is suitable. The choice of the right rotary cutter therefore depends on your individual needs and the type of projects you are sewing.
Which rotary cutter blade is recommended?
Good blades are like sharp scissors that glide through the fabric and leave precise cuts.
If a blade is dull or damaged, it can cause the fabric to be cut in a frayed or uneven manner. Then your sewing result won't be as good as it could be! Therefore, it is important to change the rotary cutter blades regularly. If you are looking for new blades for your rotary cutter, opt for high-quality blades from Olfa, Prym, or Fiskars. They are sharp and durable.
Do I need a cutting mat for patchwork? What size?
A cutting mat, combined with a rotary cutter, is an indispensable accessory for patchwork sewing.
It is a special mat used for cutting fabrics and other materials when sewing, quilting, or doing other crafts. It has a soft, non-slip surface and is usually marked with special guide lines and markings that can assist when cutting fabric.
A cutting mat not only protects fabrics and scissor blades but also ensures precise and clean cuts.
If you buy a self-healing cutting mat, you can use it for a long period without it getting damaged. If you cut a lot, it is possible for grooves or cuts to form on the surface. It is also important that the cutting mat lies flat and level on the table to ensure precise cutting.
Cutting mats are available in various sizes and designs. From 30x45 cm, 45x60 cm to 90x120 cm.
If you need a cutting mat in a very specific size, you can also have one custom-made.
I recommend buying at least a large A1 (60x90 cm) cutting mat right away and not struggling with mats that are too small. In our opinion, the Olfa cutting mat is highly recommended because it has a non-slip surface and practical markings that help you when cutting fabrics.
If you want to dive even deeper into the topic of cutting mats, then read my article: Self-healing cutting mats: Everything about the brilliant sewing helper
Do you need a rotating cutting mat?
A rotating cutting mat works like a conventional cutting mat, but it is mounted on a revolving base. This allows you to easily turn the mat without moving the piece of fabric you are currently cutting.
This makes it easier for you to quickly cut straight lines or curved small parts. Not only do you work more efficiently with it, but your cut pieces will also turn out particularly precise.
If you have already successfully completed a few patchwork projects, a rotating cutting mat is a great addition to your tool kit. But if you are just starting out, it is not necessary to invest in a rotating cutting mat.
What is Rasterquick actually?
If you like to patchwork or quilt, you have surely heard of Rasterquick before. It is a special interfacing that features a grid line marking.
This marking helps you to position and sew your fabric pieces accurately so that they fit together perfectly. Rasterquick is particularly suitable for patchwork projects where many small pieces of fabric have to be sewn together precisely.
Do I need a thimble for patchwork?
If you prefer sewing and quilting by hand, it can certainly make sense to use a thimble. When piercing through multiple layers of fabric, it can easily happen that the needle accidentally slips into your finger.
By wearing a thimble, you can protect your fingers and make it easier to push the needle through the fabric. However, it is important that the thimble fits well and is comfortable to wear. You have a choice between different materials:
- Leather
- Metal
- Silicone
- Rubber
It is best to try out what you can work with best. I recommend testing the different options in person at a fabric store, so you can be sure that your thimble fits like a glove.
Which pens can I use to mark my patchwork project?
Here is a list of common methods:
- Tailor's chalk
- Chalk pencils
- Notches
- Bone folder
- Marking pens (Trick markers)
- Frixion
- Adhesive tapes
There are therefore various ways available to you for marking fabrics, which are described and tested in detail in the article.
What do you need beeswax for when quilting?
If you want to quilt your quilt sandwich by hand, you should use a special thread for hand quilting. The waxed surface of the thread allows it to glide smoothly through the fabric and prevents annoying knots from forming.
If you don't have a special hand quilting thread at hand, you can also pull the thread through beeswax to achieve similar results.
There are also special "wax dispensers" that help you guide the thread precisely over the wax. Sometimes these wax dispensers are also called "thread conditioners".
What is a strip turner and how do you use it?
When sewing with narrow strips, a tube turner is very useful. It helps you turn narrow fabric strips right side out without having to pull them through with your fingers or other tools. This makes the result neater and the work go faster.
Here's how it works: You slide the tube inside the fabric strip that is closed on one end. Then you insert the rod through the fabric into the tube and can turn the whole thing quite easily.
Which iron is recommended for patchwork?
A large iron is especially useful if you want to press larger pieces of fabric, entire fabric lengths, and huge quilts. A small iron heats up quickly, doesn't take up much space, and can be very helpful:
- When pressing hard-to-reach areas on self-sewn clothing.
- For patchwork projects with many small pieces of fabric, as the small iron stays right at your sewing station.
- If your child is sewing, as it is handier and lighter to work with a small iron.
I use both irons constantly and wouldn't want to be without either of them.
What is a seam roller and what is it used for?
A seam roller is a practical tool for flattening seams. You can simply roll it over the seam to press it flat. A bone folder can also be used to smooth out seams.
This is particularly helpful if you don't have an iron at your sewing station.
However, it is also possible to press seams flat by hand or with a presser foot without using a seam roller.
What do you need an awl for in patchwork?
When you are sewing small pieces of fabric together in patchwork, it can be difficult to align them exactly and hold them in place. That's where the stiletto comes in! It is sometimes also called an awl. With its pointed tip and handle, you can position the fabric precisely and gently guide it in the desired direction as you feed it under the presser foot. This prevents slipping and ensures more precise seams. The stiletto is therefore a useful tool to make your patchwork project easier and more effective.
Freezer Paper
Freezer paper is a great aid for your sewing and patchwork projects. The coated side temporarily adheres to the fabric, allowing you to apply patterns or appliqués without direct marking or drawing. After ironing, the freezer paper can be peeled off easily and reused. Give it a try!
Reading tip: Make your own freezer paper
Is a daylight lamp useful for patchwork?
Daylight lamps are generally a sensible purchase. They mimic natural sunlight and provide brighter and more natural light than conventional bulbs and lamps. This reduces eye strain, making reading, writing, and sewing less strenuous for the eyes.
Furthermore, a daylight lamp renders colors better, which can be very helpful when assembling fabrics for patchwork.
Conclusion
Not everything available on the market (or in the fabric store) needs to be part of your setup when you start patchwork. You can gradually find out which patchwork accessories are helpful for you and what makes your work easier.
After all, different patchwork techniques call for different little helpers.
We hope this post gave you an overview of the variety of sewing accessories that can be used for patchwork. Feel free to share your experiences and questions on this topic in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you.
Happy simple sewing, Birgit & Sabine
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