It’s 2020, the year of mayhem and mask wearing. After all these months stuck inside with your quilter turned mask-maker you might be asking yourself “What sewing gift should I buy my quilter?” From that perfect cutting mat to quilters templates, there are so many wonderful options!! So here are my top gifts quilters will love for 2020!
Fabric
Does the quilter in your life have a favorite fabric shop? Nothing excites a quilter more than a shopping spree to a fabric store!
(You may have to do some sleuthing, but it will be worth it in the end. The important thing is to know thy quilter.)
A gift card would be received with joy, or for an added layer of enjoyment, you could give them a card promising one special day. You could include the amount of your gift for buying fabric, the destination, the promise of a trip to her/his favorite coffee shop or restaurant for lunch and leave a blank for them to supply the day that works for you both. Then, all that is left is the shopping trip! Not only are you giving the gift of fabric that they chose, but also a shared experience!
Since this is the year of staying-at-home you could also do am online shopping trip with your special quilter friend. Here are a few of my favorite online fabric stores:
Thread
Again, this will require some sleuthing or a knowledge of what your quilter uses the most. It is easy to buy thread for me because I exclusively use Gutermann thread, 100% polyester, color grey, #102 (wink, nudge). I can use it for light or dark quilts and it eliminates agonizing over matching thread color for every quilt.
However, you must know your quilter’s preference. She/he may find matching thread color an imperative in their personal process. She/he may also have a preferred brand, or maybe some variegated thread would be something fun to experiment with. Remember, KNOW THY QUILTER!
Needles
Whether your quilter is a hand quilter or a machine quilter, needles are important. The rule of thumb for machine sewing is to use a new needle for every project. This means many, many needles if your quilter is addicted like I am.
Needles for Sewing Machine Quilting
- Schmetz Quilting Needles - Size 75/11
- Price: $4.99
- Schmetz Universal Needles - Size 80/12
- Price: $2.99
My preference for machine quilting is Schmetz size 80/12 needles. I buy mine at JoAnn Fabrics (with a coupon or when they are on sale is a good time to stock up). Schmetz also makes needles made specifically for quilting that you can find online. I have not used these yet but they have excellent reviews and I have found Schmetz to be a reliable brand.
Needles for Quilting by Hand
I have great admiration and respect for hand quilters. That being said, I am a machine quilter. So, if you are going to buy needles for the hand quilter, you will have to learn what their preferences are. Since I myself am not a hand quilter here is an article by the blog Suzy Quilts that takes a deep dive into hand-quilting needles
Measuring Tools
The most important measuring tools for quilting are a large ruler, a tape measure, and a gauge.
Large Quilting Ruler
Olfa makes a large ruler for cutting, as do other companies. I prefer the O'Lipfa ruler. It has a lip on one end so it can be anchored against the end of the mat to reduce slippage when cutting.
- OLFA 6 inch x 24 inch Frosted Ruler (OQR624)
- Price: $23.99
Gauge
A gauge is a type of ruler with a sliding marker so that you can set specific lengths and repeat them with ease. I prefer the Clover brand which has a caliper and a compass built into it. It is a very good quality gauge for the money and does not slip which can be a problem with other brands.
- Clover 5 in 1 Sliding Gauge CL9506
- Price: $14.49
As most quilters will probably already have the above tools, there are also shaped rulers which enable more precise cutting of squares and triangles. If you can snoop around to see what they already have, you may find something along these lines and add to the collection.
Quilters Templates
Quilt-cutting templates are just what they sound like, templates that come in various shapes so that you can simply slide your rotary cutter around them to cut multiple pieces of the same size and shape that you can then piece together into your quilt top.
Cutting Tools
Cutting tools are what can really make or break a sewing experience. The right pair of scissors or rotary cutter can make your project comfortable and easy.
My top picks for cutting tools are as follows:
- Olfa 45mm Quick Change Rotary Cutter RTY-2NS
- Price: $29.99
- Olfa Ergo Rotary Cutter 45mm RTY-2EG
- Price: $25.99
Rotary Cutters- Sort of like a Pizza Cutter but for Fabric
I prefer Olfa because the rotary cutter is very well made. It is strong and stands up to lots of cutting. I have tried other brands, but found they were weak and wobbly.
If your quilter already has a rotary cutter, determine what size and brand rotary cutter they have and buy replacement blades. Anyone with a rotary cutter will at some point need fresh blades and may just kiss your feet for buying them!
- OLFA 18x24 Inch Self-Healing Olfa Rotary Mat RM-SG
- Price: $28.99
- OLFA Cutting Mat, 24in. x 36in. RM-MG
- Price: $57.99
Fabric-ONLY Scissors
When it comes to quilting most people use rotary cutters for cutting lots and lots of little pieces but occasionally traditional scissors come in handy. A spring loaded scissor can be really helpful in preventing hands from getting cramped up while cutting out your quilt pieces.
Not all scissors are made equally. In the world of sewing-scissors this is even more true. My favorite manufacturers are Gingher and Fiskars.
Thread Snippers
Thread snippers are the most important scissors when quilting because you have to cut thread tails so frequently.
I have small, sharp snipping scissors- one straight and one curved.
The curved snippers are particularly helpful for cutting threads off very close to your quilt top. They make it easy for quilters to get that crisp finished look they want.
Straight snippers come in handy when clipping the thread that is attaching a finished section of sewing to the sewing machine. They are also helpful for cutting a good 45 degree angle in thread before threading the sewing machine or hand sewing needle.
Seam Ripper
Something I need regularly, a seam ripper. Seam rippers are a tool to take out stitching if you make a mistake or change your mind about how your want something pieced together. I have used and abused many seam rippers over the years and find that the strongest, sharpest, easiest to hold is the Clover brand. I ordered two of them from Amazon, and have not needed to buy more in several years.
Sewing Machines
If your budget is wide open this year and you really want to spoil the quilter you love here are some sewing machines sure to make any one who sew drool. Some big Black Friday savings on sewing machines are happening this week so now is the time to buy before these good deals end.
Long Arm Table Machine
Long arm table machines are a budget friendly option that will put a smile on your quilter's face. A long arm machine is a larger machine that makes it easies to reach the center of your quilt and sew the layers together. Here are some great options.
Husqvarna Viking Platinum 16 Longarm Quilting Machine - $3,999.00
from: Sewingmachinesplus.com, Inc.
Baby Lock Tiara 3 Long Arm Machine BLTR16-3 - $5,195.00
from: Sewingmachinesplus.com, Inc.
Long Arm Sewing Machines and Loft Frames
Long arm sewing machines are a sight to behold. They are basically a large sewing machine on a track with wheels so that it can move up and down the length of a quilt and stitch all the layers together. Most lofts (tracks) range between 6 and 20 feet so if you have a room in your house to accommodate this mammoth machine, go for it!
Here are a couple of Long Arm Loft Sets your quilter is bound to enjoy.
Handi Quilter Moxie 15 Inch Longarm Quilting Machine With 8 Foot Loft Frame - $4,995.00
from: Sewingmachinesplus.com, Inc.
NEW King Quilter II ELITE Long Arm Quilting Machine with Bonuses - $6,299.00
from: Sewingmachinesplus.com, Inc.
Quirky Quilting Helps
The greatest invention since sliced bread (for quilters) is the Kwik Klip Tool. I bought it on a whim and now can’t live without it. I found mine at JoAnn Fabrics. This saves your finger tips when pinning the layers of the quilt together before sewing them.
A magnetic pin dish is a wonderful invention. You can find them in most sewing shops and online. I received the Dritz Longarm 3710 Magnetic Pin Bowl as a thank-you gift and love it. This can be found on Amazon.
If your quilter has trouble keeping things organized, any storage unit could be a help. Just remember to know thy quilter. Perhaps they would appreciate a rack for spools of thread.
Someplace to store needle packages would be helpful. Or how about a place to store those mountains of fabric your quilter has brought home? A cube organizer and storage bins can be a perfect solution for quilting fabric. Here is an excellent example from the blog Sweet Red Poppy.
Sewing Tool Tune-Ups
Getting your quilter’s scissors sharpened is a great help. As a quilter I prefer to spend my money on more fabric rather that some of the more practical things (it’s kind of like spending money on socks and underwear).
It is also necessary to get sewing machines cleaned and serviced. It is another necessity that is not nearly as fun as buying fabric and planning the next quilt.
If your quilter hires someone to quilt the layers together after creating the top, paying for long-arm quilting services would be a lovely gift.
The Gift of Quilting Classes and Trips
Paying for a class or workshop might be right up your quilter’s alley. There may be a specialty skill they have never attempted. You may be able to find local classes that are of interest, or even an online class. For the extravagant gift giver, perhaps an out-of-town workshop by a favorite teacher or even a quilting cruise!
Classes and Conventions
It's a weird year for in person classes and conventions. Events such as The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo have been postponed until March 2021. Fortunately they are currently offering online classes from some fabulous teachers on a number of topics including but not limited to:
- Free Motion Machine Quilting
- Kids Classes if you'd like to sew with your kids or grandchildren.
- Holiday Sewing Project
Sewing Vacations and Cruises
And lastly, 2020 might not be the right year for trips abroad but as hope for the future you might start planning a sewing cruise or vacation for the quilter in your life. Sewing with friends can be so much fun! Sewing with your friends while on a cruise, even better!
So, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May your new year be filled with joy and many sewing projects!