Quilting Tools Look at the following tools used by quilters for making quilts.    •   Transparent Rulers This is a compulsory tool for every quilter to get accurate measurements for cutting fabric. It is also used as a straight edge for cutting with a rotary cutter. They come in many different shapes and sizes.    •   Ruler Handle: A ruler handle may be attached to a ruler with suctions cups, so that the ruler will not only move smoothly but also prevent damage to the fabric.    •   Self Healing Mat This tool is made to protect the blade and cutting surface. Self-healing describes the way the plastic surface of the mat compresses back together while cutting. It is used with a rotary cutter.    •   Rotary Cutter It is a rolling razor blade which is used to cut fabric into shapes, strips and pieces. It is made up of very high quality tungsten carbide.    •   Scissors: Tools for cutting fabrics, shapes and threads.    •   Quilters Measuring Tape This is a 120" long tape to measure fabrics.    •   Curved Safety Pins: These pins are used for pin basting.    •   Quilt Pins: These are the extra long pins that are designed to pin quilting pieces easily. The picture of ball head and flat head pins are shown below.    •   Quilting Thread Quilting threads come in many varieties, like patchwork, cotton, silk-finish, nylon invisible thread and lots more.    •      Walking Foot This tool helps in avoiding puckered stitches and enables the quilt sandwich to go through the machine during quilting. “Even feed foot” is another term for the walking foot.        1/4" Foot This tool is used to get an exact 1/4" seam while quilting. You will always get this 1/4" seam by using the edge of the foot as your guide.    •      Marking Tools Marking tools are pens or pencils for marking temporary lines or patterns on fabric.    •   Fabric Eraser Eraser for removing marks made by marking tools.    •   Hand Quilting Needles These needles are used for hand sewing applications, like sewing the binding and hand basting, etc.    • Thimble It is a small cap made from aluminum, steel, leather or copper that protects fingers from injury while stitching.    •   Quilt Templates: Templates are those patterns which are made with a very strong material for drawing on the quilt. They add beauty and elegance to your quilt. Make templates using plastic or cardboard sheets.    •   Sewing Machine Quilting Needles These are very strong needles with bigger eyes and sharper points. They are made like this so that they can move through the layers of fabric smoothly. Quilting Terminology Quilting Terms C to G Quilting Glossary H to P Quilting Terms Q to Z Tools Types Machine Quilts Fabric Guide Caring More Quilting Tips Quilting Machine Benefits Quilt Sandwich Quilt Pattern Tips Large Quilt