Quilting Notions Every Quilter Should Have in Their Sewing Room

The right quilting notions can make the difference between a project that feels frustrating and one that feels enjoyable. While beautiful fabrics and patterns often get the attention, the tools we use every day help us create accurate blocks, smooth appliqué, and quilts that are made to last.

Here are some favourite quilting notions that deserve a place in your sewing room.

Quilting Rulers for Accurate Cutting

A good ruler is one of the most important tools in quilting. Having several sizes available makes different projects easier, from small blocks to large cutting tasks.

A small ruler is useful for trimming and squaring blocks, while larger rulers make cutting strips and larger pieces quicker and more accurate. The Creative Grids® ALASKA Ruler is a popular choice, with clear markings and a non-slip grip that makes cutting more confident and consistent. The Lori Holt Cute Cuts™ range offers a brilliant selection of compact sizes — perfect for squaring up blocks and trimming with precision.

Many quilters find that once they have a collection of favourite rulers, they reach for specific ones depending on the project they are working on.

Quality Thread for Beautiful Results

Thread choice affects both the appearance and durability of your quilt. A high-quality cotton thread gives a smooth finish and works beautifully for piecing and quilting.

Aurifil thread is a firm favourite among quilters for its strength, smooth finish, and wide colour range. A neutral like 2370 Sandstone is a useful addition to any sewing room because it blends well with many fabric colours. Choosing a good thread reduces breakage, creates even stitches, and makes the sewing process more enjoyable.

Marking Tools for Quilting Designs

Marking your quilt is an important step when creating detailed designs. Sewline pencils are useful for marking quilting lines, appliqué shapes, and precise measurements — available in different colours so you can choose the best option for your fabric. White pencils work well on darker fabrics, while coloured pencils are useful when you need your markings to be easier to see.

Always test your marking tool on a scrap piece of fabric first to make sure it removes cleanly.

Fabric Glue for Appliqué Placement

A small amount of fabric glue can be extremely helpful when working on appliqué. It allows you to temporarily secure pieces before stitching, keeping your design in place while you work. A useful tip: store your glue in a sealed bag when not in use to help prevent it from drying out.

Clips for Appliqué and Quilt Layouts

Quilting clips are a simple but useful addition to your sewing room. Unlike pins, they don’t create holes in your fabric and are especially helpful when working with multiple appliqué shapes. Use them for:

• Holding appliqué pieces in position
• Securing quilt layers
• Organising fabric pieces
• Keeping layouts together before stitching

Good Quality Scissors Are Worth the Investment

A sharp pair of scissors is one of those quilting tools that feels like a treat but quickly becomes essential. Quality scissors make cutting smoother and more accurate — reserve them for fabric only and never use them for paper or other materials. A good pair is an investment that can last for many years when properly cared for.

The Importance of Good Needles

Needles are small, but they have a big impact on your sewing. Machine needles should be changed regularly — a fresh needle helps prevent skipped stitches, fabric damage, and sewing problems.

For raw edge appliqué, Microtex needles are an excellent choice. Their very sharp, slim point pierces fabric cleanly without pushing threads aside, which gives you a neat, precise stitch right at the edge of your appliqué shape. This is especially important when stitching close to a raw edge — a Microtex needle helps keep the stitching tight and controlled, reducing fraying and giving a much more polished finish than a standard needle.

Hand sewing needles are also worth choosing carefully; embroidery needles with a larger eye are easier to thread and useful for appliqué and hand stitching.

Acrylic Templates for Accurate Shapes

Templates are a favourite tool for many quilters, especially when working with traditional quilt blocks and appliqué. Instead of repeatedly measuring and cutting shapes, templates allow you to place, trace, and cut with confidence — and the small drilled holes let you mark the exact 1/4" seam intersection for perfectly matched points.

They are particularly helpful for repeated shapes, curved pieces, appliqué designs, and complex traditional blocks. Browse our full acrylic template collection to find the right match for your project.

English Paper Piecing for Slow Stitching

English paper piecing is a wonderful technique for quilters who enjoy hand stitching. Using paper shapes helps create accurate fabric pieces that are joined t

ogether with careful hand sewing — portable, relaxing, and perfect for using smaller fabric scraps.

We stock a range of EPP shapes including 7/8" Hexagon Charms, 1/2" Hexagons, and Charm Templates in multiple sizes — a beautiful way to slow down and enjoy the process of quilting.

Triangle Papers for Perfect Blocks

Triangle papers are helpful when creating accurate half-square triangles and other triangle-based designs. Sew directly on the marked lines for consistent shapes that are easy to trim and piece together — especially useful for star blocks and traditional quilt designs.

We stock triangle papers in a range of sizes: 1" finished, 1½" finished, 2" finished, and 3½" finished.

Stencils for Appliqué and Repeated Shapes

Stencils save time when you need to repeat the same shape many times. Instead of measuring every circle, leaf, or appliqué shape individually, a stencil lets you quickly mark your fabric and keep your design consistent. Browse our stencil range including the BFF Heart Template & Stencil Set, Butterfly Pillow Stencil, Maple Leaves Stencil, and the versatile Simple Shapes Stencil.

Build a Sewing Room Filled With Tools You Love

You don’t need every quilting notion available to create beautiful quilts. The best tools are the ones that make your own sewing style easier and more enjoyable. Start with quality essentials — good rulers, sharp scissors, reliable thread, and comfortable needles — then add specialised tools as your skills and projects grow.

The right notions don’t replace creativity, but they help bring your ideas to life with more confidence and enjoyment.