Bob's Basic Tools

In this video, Bob shares his top ten essential tools for any sewing room, especially helpful for beginners like Leanne from Phoenix, who’s just getting started with quilting. He walks through each must-have item, including a large self-healing cutting mat, clear acrylic rulers, a sturdy rotary cutter, and handy tools like thread snips, a seam ripper, and a wool pressing mat. Bob also highlights smaller favorites like Magic Pins, the classic tomato pin cushion, and the mini Oliso iron. Throughout the video, he explains why each tool makes sewing easier, more accurate, and more enjoyable, reminding viewers that sewing is an investment in happiness.

I want to show you my top 10 basic tools that I keep in my sewing room to make all the quilt blocks we create. We had a viewer, Leanne from Phoenix, who’s brand new to sewing. She’s never done any of this before and wanted a little guidance on what she needs to get started, what to have in her space.

Aside from a sewing machine (which I won’t cover in this video), you can find machines on our website organized by price range. Just pick your budget, any of our regular sewing machines will be great for beginners who want to make beautiful quilt blocks.

Now, let’s talk about my top 10 tools that I use regularly in my quilting area. You’ll find links to all of these products in the video description. I won’t focus on brands or prices, just the essentials that Leanne (and any beginner) will find useful.

First up, the cutting mat, mine is a 24" x 36" reversible, self-healing mat. It’s marked in 1" and ½" increments with diagonal lines, which is perfect for angled cuts. On the reverse side, it’s marked down to ⅛", and you’ll see me using this mat in nearly every video.

Next, a ruler. Your ruler and mat go hand in hand. I recommend a clear acrylic ruler so you can see your fabric underneath. My favorite is 6½" wide, that extra half inch comes in handy since we do so many 2½" cuts.

And of course, you’ll need a rotary cutter. This one’s my favorite because it’s weighted and feels sturdy. I’ve tried a lot of rotary cutters over the years, there’s really no wrong choice, but remember, they’re sharp! Always keep the safety cover on (some of you have reminded me of that before 😅).

These three, the mat, ruler, and rotary cutter, are your cutting trio.

Then there’s my 6" square ruler, perfect for trimming small units like half-square triangles. It has a 45° line and is see-through, so you can square up your pieces precisely.

A wool pressing mat is another must-have. I keep mine right next to my machine so I can press seams open without walking back and forth to the ironing board. Just don’t put it on top of your cutting mat, the heat and steam can warp the mat underneath.

I also love my rotating cutting mat. It’s about 13" square and makes trimming small blocks so much easier. It spins smoothly (no ball bearings or noise) and helps you get perfect cuts without lifting and moving your fabric.

Next up, the mini Oliso iron. It’s small but powerful, perfect for pressing small seams and quilt blocks. It even has a handy rest attachment for when it’s hot. Plus, they come in fun colors!

For the little essentials, you’ll want thread snips and a seam ripper. A good seam ripper has a small red ball on the end, lead with that when removing stitches so you don’t damage your fabric.

And finally, pins and a pin cushion. I’m loving the Magic Pins lately, they’re easy to grip and glide through fabric smoothly. And of course, the classic tomato pin cushion with the little strawberry, the strawberry actually sharpens your pins because it’s filled with emery powder!

Leanne, I hope this helps you, and anyone new to sewing. It can be a pricey hobby, but if you love it (and most people do), it’s truly an investment in your happiness.

Happy sewing! 🧵