Top 7 Quilting Tools For Saving Time and Increasing Accuracy!!!

These are my personal top 7 quilting tools that help me sew faster and more accurate, and that I don't really want to go without now that I've found them! What is your favorite tool?
Acorn Easy Press Precision Piecing Pen: www.etsy.com/listing/856538886...
Cluck Cluck Sew Diagonal Seam Tape: www.etsy.com/listing/103400622...
Binding Eaze by Quilted Heartz: quiltedheartz.com/product/bind...

[@deafsetter]

I made my own binding eaze mat. I bought a small (11"x15") silicone baking mat. It has solid silicone edging and the middle is sort of woven. I got mine at Aldi for about $5. I then just put two slits near each edge of mat to slip the folded binding through. Only downside is you may have to pin down or weigh down the mat so it doesn't move while sliding the binding.

[@StephaniesStitches]

That's clever!!!

[@notesfromleisa-land7893]

I can see you are cheap like me. I use my Teflon coated fiberglass mats. I fold over and run the fabric in between with the iron on the top layer. The sheets are so slick the fabric glides through. The sheets conduct heat well. These are mvp’s in sewing room. I also use them as pressing sheets. The iron glides over and there is zero distortion particularly with high bias pieces.

[@suzannemiller993]

The Stripology rulers...revolutionized my cutting accuracy and speed.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Yes! I love that ruler....makes strip cutting fun instead of a chore! Good one!

[@notesfromleisa-land7893]

The Stripology ruler rocks. I always recommend it. Though an investment, it cuts cutting time and improves accuracy. I would not quilt without it.

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Paid $150 for the large one… used it 2x in a year 😂😂😂 Story of my life, but I wanted it, so I got it! I have a ruler addiction… have like 80 of them of all kinds 😂😂😂

[@meacadwell]

Frixion pens - the manufacturer says on their website it's not for use with fabric. That being said, I only use Frixion where it will be cut off, I won't sew over the ink and will no longer use it on the right side of fabric. Here's why: I've had instances of using Frixion on print and when I ironed over the ink a permanent grey line was left behind. The Frixion ink had somehow bleached the dye and ruined what I was making. Since this ink is newer, we don't know how it will affect fabric down the road. I don't want to spend a gazillion hours making a quilt only to have it fall apart ten years from now because Frixion ink ate through the fabric. I live in Wisconsin and during the winter the Frixion ink showed back up on a quilt I made when it was exposed to the cold temperature. So, yes, it can come back even after washing a quilt.

[@StephaniesStitches]

You do you...I love them, but thankfully haven't had those issues. I only use the on the back of fabrics, so it's not been an issue for me. 🙂

[@catherinesofikitis179]

Diagonal seam tape is a game changer

[@StephaniesStitches]

Don't you love it? Such a simple but genius tool!

[@carlabattle7014]

That binding mat is a must have. I always burn my fingers everytime.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Right? That is something I hated about making binding...so much quicker and easier now. I love when company's come up with something like this to help us! 😊

[@anncantlin9710]

In my opinion Janome is the best. I have three, quilter, embroidery and my 6600 for easy off use.

[@deborahlunsford6983]

Thanks for tips. I found you via Steven and Walter. I have the seam tape and Acorn pressing liquid but do not use them often. You have convinced me to try again.

[@carlabattle7014]

Thanks Stephine, I love Janome machines

[@karenbroughton207]

Wow thanks that’s really helpful ❤

[@sherimcgill5139]

Nice video! I’ve gotta buy me some of that juice. I happened to think that your grandmother said that about starch because it actually used to contain a food starch (corn, potato). Now they’re just chemicals...not sure if that’s better or worse 😄

[@StephaniesStitches]

Good to know! She never said why it attracted bugs 🙂

[@margaretderen2082]

The Easy Press Pen refill ($70/gallon) is too expensive for me and I’ve found that Easy Press applied with a stencil brush works just as well!

[@StephaniesStitches]

Umm, okay.

[@MonaDidWhat]

I’ve never seen the binding tool before, awesome, thanks

[@cheryleaston6820]

I just watched another tutorial of yours and tried it in a block. I was amazed how well my pieces fit together. TFS

[@StephaniesStitches]

😊

[@julieanderson2428]

Great job!!!

[@bina64]

That blue binding mat is so cool.

[@StephaniesStitches]

It really is!

[@Aroundtoit3712]

Thanks for sharing these great tips Stephanie🥰

[@StephaniesStitches]

Thank you Shirley! 😊

[@nerdmom_quilts]

I very recently started using the Tula Pink surgical seam ripper. Game changer, especially for FPP. The tip picks through individual stitches cleanly without tugging and the side zips through a row stitches with no stretching. Very sharp!!!! Have to keep away from the little ones.

[@StephaniesStitches]

That one intimidates me, but hearing you say that it's good for FPP, I may give it a go! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheJAG1357]

Great tips. I’m excited to find your KZbin videos. Thank you❤

[@StephaniesStitches]

Thanks so much for coming by! 🙂

[@lauraaustin4795]

Awesome tips...thank you

[@StephaniesStitches]

Welcome 🙂

[@lindageldmyer1844]

Thanks Stephanie, great info!

[@StephaniesStitches]

Welcome!

[@kathyboyer4265]

I just discovered your video. You are Awesome! I like to starch or Best Press before cutting but Wow! I didn't realize the Best Press would shrink my block, that explains a lot. You said you are in Ohio, do you mind saying where? I'm just east of Columbus. Hope to find more of your videos.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Great to have you here! We are up on Lake Erie. Glad to know another Ohio quilter. 😀

[@nancyguss6739]

Great tips.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Thank you Nancy!

[@glennamiller7091]

Awesome tips. Thank you so much.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Welcome!

[@ingridbowers8102]

Thank you for all the great tips Stephanie! They are all very helpful! I have the binding tool but haven't used it yet, I need to get it out and use it :)

[@StephaniesStitches]

You will love it....such a time saver!

[@angesews8110]

Thank you it was very interesting seeing the items. The binding pad is great never seen that before.

[@StephaniesStitches]

I love the binding tool....so good! 😊

[@maribethstrand2341]

Great video

[@StephaniesStitches]

Thanks!

[@debbiebraatz1919]

Thanks for the answer to the Frixon pen, it finally worked!❤😂

[@StephaniesStitches]

Oh good!!! 🙂

[@kayswenson3021]

Thank you Stephanie I have only threaded my machine twice and this video was excellent, loved all your tips😊

[@StephaniesStitches]

Glad it was helpful! And thanks for watching!

[@melissafeldhaus4424]

I just found you from a sewing yeah video. So glad I saw you!!

[@StephaniesStitches]

Aww, thanks for coming over! Love those guys!

[@ColeenSewsChats]

Thank you for all the wonderful tips! I really enjoy tips from those who have been quilting awhile . Are you sure you haven't found more hours in the day somewhere ? You are VERY productive !💞Have a great weekend !

[@StephaniesStitches]

🤣I wish!

[@melodymiller3895]

How do you get the diagonal tape perfectly straight on your machine? Even if the needle is perfectly placed on the red line, that doesn’t stop the tape from going slightly to the side when you stick it down.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Line up a ruler at the end of your machine going towards the needle on the 1/4" line and lay the tape down next to the straight line you created with the ruler. 🙂

[@margm4]

Hi Steph. All great tips. For me, is filling bobbins before I do any project. I’d love a straight stitching machine but it’s not going to happen as I have 2 machines already! 😍🇦🇺

[@StephaniesStitches]

Hi Marg! 👋

[@marilynrn711]

I just ordetred the binding ease press as that sure looks handy. Sometimes my bindings are not pressed precisely in half and this should help with that too.. Thanks!

[@StephaniesStitches]

Welcome! Hope you love it as much as I do...saves so much time (and my fingers!).

[@MarieH528]

All great tips, I use them all except for the straight stitch machine, (my Brother works great for me) and the binding tool, I haven't invested in that yet but considering it 😀 My favorite tools are definitely Magic Juice and the seam tape oh no and definitely Best Press!!Thanks for Sharing! 🥰👍

[@StephaniesStitches]

My pleasure! You will love the binding tool if you try it...it saves sooo much time!

[@terrizimmer4808]

My favorite tool is triangles on a roll for all those HSTs. But as soon as I saw that binding tool today, I stopped the video and bought one. Lol

[@StephaniesStitches]

Triangles on a roll are great! Thanks for the reminder. The binding tool is sooo amazing...saves so much time and burnt fingers, LOL!

[@janicec1196]

I have the Janome 1600P which is the older version of your machine. I've had mine about 13 years now and it still sews beautifully. It's my favorite machine and I have five. It sews through thick seams like butter. Thanks for your video!

[@StephaniesStitches]

Awesome!

[@lynnleipold2617]

I have he 1600P also.

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Thank you for the info. I purchased the diagonal seam tape but haven’t tried it yet. Now I will as hst’s aren’t fun for me.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Let me know if you like it!🙂

[@Terrilene6]

Hi Stephanie, what a great video! I thoroughly enjoyed all the tools you shared. I love the acorn "magic juice" too. I tried to purchase the "Binding Eaze" from your link, but, they had no shipping options to Canada. I will contact them directly and see if I can get it shipped. A few months ago, I was thinking of buying a Juki like SewBecca's, but, then I saw that you bought Janome HD9 (Black Beauty), so I did some research and also decided to buy an HD9, a white one though, lol. I love it! Thank you for this.

[@StephaniesStitches]

So happy to hear that you love your HD 9!!! I hope you can get a binding eaze...it's really a time saver. Maybe if they don't ship they can direct you to a CA company that carries them? 🙂

[@jimsavage1857]

Thank you Stephanie, I really appreciate the binding demo, it was new to me also the Precision Piecing liquid & Pen. Also this is mr 1st time seeing your video so What is your store name ? Thank you again

[@StephaniesStitches]

You are so welcome! My store on Etsy is called 'StephaniesSupplyShop', but is closed until Saturday for inventory. Thanks so much for asking! Glad to have you here.

[@jillrusche6]

Great tips… I use the binding pad all the time- got mine from Sew yeah on notion night last year. And I hate to say it, but you are an enabler😂. I bought the magic juice from you and it is a game changer for sure. Thanks for suggesting it. I have the seam tape but my machine has a drop in bobbin so it’s not as convenient. Love my stripology rulers- they are worth the investment for me, and I am addicted to Doug Leko’s folded corner rulers- eliminates the need to mark your fabric and my accuracy has improved for HST’s and snowballed corners. Great video, Stephanie! ❤

[@StephaniesStitches]

Thanks Jill! Glad to be your enabler😊. I love the stripology ruler as well...such a time saver!

[@dcwatashi]

I didn’t know Sew Yeah sold that. Just started buying fabric from them a few months ago

[@lauriesheppard3394]

Hey Stephanie! Great video😃. Are you going to go to Vegas for the next retreat?

[@StephaniesStitches]

Not sure yet. I would love to, but it will come down to finances. 😊

[@mw54470]

Thanks sew much Stephanie! What is your iron set on?

[@StephaniesStitches]

Welcome! It is on the cotton setting. 🙂

[@photographybyday]

Hi Steph

[@StephaniesStitches]

Hi there!

[@janeanndouglas9231]

About the straight-stitch machines….you mentioned that they do have thread-cutter, but not needle-threaded? I love not having to get glasses to thread my machine. I want to trade in my very expensive (but 2006 model) but the threading issue worries me…GR8 show! You’re a good teacher! I miss seeing you on SewBecca….💜☮️🧘‍♀️

[@StephaniesStitches]

Thank you for your kind words! Mine has a thread cutter and a needle threader (not automatic), but each brand is different. 😊

[@StephaniesStitches]

Tell me your favorite time saving or accuracy making tool! Don't forget to subscribe and like this video! 🙂❤👍

[@kathleenchamp3764]

Great tips Stephanie 🙆‍♀️ I do happen to go through my roll of seam tape to often. I'm thinking it was an old roll 🤷‍♀️it just doesn't want to stick. Nope, I didn't order from you Steph, should have(😊 I Certainly know where I'm ordering as this rolls out😁)Tho my machine base is no diff then any other.. frustration yes! But I'll say I do enjoy it were it sticks for a lil bit. It's great in you need to increase a stitch width as well. You can go green a quilters 1/4" to a bag makers 1/2" seam allowance .. don'tcha just live a great time saver/ gadgets that are double duty. A twofer makes my day! I even cleaned base with a bit of rubbing alcohol. Against my own better judgment. Lolol I'll say don't do that! Maybe a wee bit of soap on a damp cloth then damp cloth no soap the again with that really really soft cloth. ONLY ON PLASTIC AREAS, NOT ON MECHANICAL PARTS/ PLATES. MACHINE SAFETY FIRST ALWAYS! For anyone wondering what I used. 😉 I sure am intrigued by the BINDING EASE! THANK YOU AGAIN STEPH, As always a great video with wonderful info to help all of us improve upon our quilting and how to take back a bit of our time.. for more creating.. SCORE!!🥳🎉

[@StephaniesStitches]

Thank you Kathleen! Glad to see you! 🙂

[@kathleenchamp3764]

@@StephaniesStitches 🥰you too!

[@cjtheisen5124]

My best accuracy tool is Clover Blue Flower Head Pins. (Not the pink ones, they are too thick.) They aren't cheap but they are the best! They are long, fine and glide through the fabric with ease. i don't starch or use Best Press or magic juice, I just pin, and I sew over pins when I'm matching intersections. I slow down a bit before the pin and can see if there will be a problem, but these pins are so fine that it basically never happens. (Call me crazy, but I actually like pinning!) Having a bunch of bobbins wound and ready is a great time and frustration saver too.

[@StephaniesStitches]

I sew over pins too...just don't tell the quilt police, LOL! 🙂

[@michaelbergstrom2721]

Be careful sewing over pins. My Dau-in-law had a needle break and couldn't find the broken off piece. A few days later found it up her nose. She will not try sewing anymore😮😢

[@marykubicek5434]

Thanks for all your tips. Correct me if I am confused, but I thought you treated yourself to a new machine in the color black?

[@StephaniesStitches]

I did, but it had a defect right out of the gate, so it's being repaired under warranty 🙂

[@debbiemoore9203]

Can someone tell me should we start or best press our precuts? I test press my yardage but I’m on the fence about the precuts.

[@StephaniesStitches]

It depends on precuts. If I need the whole piece....like a 5" square...no, because it will shrink and not be the correct size. If it's a fat quarter and I have plenty, then yes, I do. Hope that helps.

[@ljwammer]

the acorn easy press precision piecing... how does it work on a bulky seam, say a star with an economy block in the center?

[@StephaniesStitches]

It works like a charm! That's why I love it so much. When I first discovered it, that's what I used it for (thick seams), but now I use it on every seam! 😀

[@connieolson8497]

Do you change your needle with each new project? And what size do you like for piecing?

[@StephaniesStitches]

Hi there! I change my needle after every 3 projects or so. My machine uses specialized needles for high speed...they are titanium coated and have a sharp point, so I don't have to change them as often as a regular machine. I mostly use 80/12, but I keep 90/14 on hand as well for sewing bags and things. 🙂

[@jewelbriard5444]

Can you tell me if this HD9 has a drop feed ?

[@StephaniesStitches]

No, but it comes with a plate that you switch out to free motion quilt that 'covers' the feed dogs. Hope that answered your question! 🙂

[@jewelbriard5444]

@@StephaniesStitches Thank you. Yes that answers this issue.

[@denisekuhling8931]

Please if you don’t mind, what brand is your friction pen?

[@StephaniesStitches]

Sure thing...they are Pilot Frixion pens.

[@dcwatashi]

I know you answered a question about your iron being on the cotton setting and I did watch the video tutorials from the company themselves and she was using a very light weight iron and she said it didn’t have a lot of water in it. Are you supposed to be putting it on steam I guess not

[@StephaniesStitches]

I am not using steam. I never do. 🙂

[@tracywilliams5779]

Steph, I heard you say how many quilts you make in a month. What do you do with them all?

[@StephaniesStitches]

I donate many of them, some are for retreats, and some are for trunk shows.

[@philyawhomestead5279]

Does the binding mat make 2.5 inch wide binding?

[@StephaniesStitches]

With 2.5" strips? Yes. Or do you mean 5" strips, 2.5" after the fold? 🙂

[@dcwatashi]

The website says up to 2 inches of folded fabric. It’s quite limiting

[@marlapavelzik9766]

Hahahaha, laughing my butt off. Stephanie says "there are some quilt patterns out there that have a hundred HST's" This, coming from the HST Queen. Lol

[@StephaniesStitches]

Right? LOL!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@debbiebraatz1919]

I bought a frixon clicker pen but can’t get it “open” to write with it. What am I missing?

[@StephaniesStitches]

Hi there! Click down on the clear plastic part that sticks out from the pen. Hope that makes sense?

[@notesfromleisa-land7893]

Great video~! I have a few things to share from my personal sweat shop. As another viewer suggested, a Stripology ruler is an MVP. I piece on my Bernina with the #57 foot and a straight stitch plate. The gate does not move, and my machine is not so smart that it refuses needle clicks to the right for scant quarter inch. I use that gate to ride any lines needed in addition to fabric management. Glue basting is my go-to piecing process as I can phase my work (because no pins). Phasing work provides for Henry Ford production gains because you are efficiently doing like tasks. I use regular Elmer's not the fancy stuff. It is prick/distortion/shift free so that nothing moves under the needle. It is at the sewing machine that you save time. It also stabilizes bias. I never use two blocks when one will do (e.g 1 FG not 2 HST's). I always use multi, no waste methods for FG and HST's (Magic 8) For specialty side pieces for Triangle in square, Diamond REcts, or cutting HST's for FPP or split rectangles, I cut rectangles and then place the ruler 1x to get 2 units. Stacking fabric provides huge production gains. When trimming units, trim two sides of the entire pile. Rotate the pile once, and make second trim. If you have 100 units to trim, you don't need to rotate 100 times, just once. Saves time and wear and tear on your body.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Personal sweat shop...LOL! I love it! Thanks!

[@gamk8348]

I don’t understand what you did with the blue and white half square triangles. You sewed one seam down the center. How are you getting half square triangles from only 1 sewn seam? Or are you using that seam to measure your other 2 seams?.

[@StephaniesStitches]

Hi there! I just made one for demonstration purposes, but normally I would sew a 1/4" on either side of the center to yield two HSTs. Some patterns do call for one HST to be made from a square, but I prefer two at a time...I just did it this way to demo. 🙂

[@gamk8348]

Ok. Now I get it. Thanks for doing that video. I have some of the products you mentioned. Maybe Santa will bring me that awesome binding tool!

[@StephaniesStitches]

@@gamk8348 That would be great! You will love it!

[@jennifermassello8670]

I accidentally used a friction pen to do my mileage and left the form in the car. It’s still 90 here in ca!😂😂

[@StephaniesStitches]

That is too funny!!!!

[@afireinside142]

I was so irritated last night after having multiple blocks end up wonky, I was using best press during and after putting them together 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@StephaniesStitches]

Oh no! Hope this helped a little. ❤️

[@sharonhansen1568]

I was doing the same thing using best press wrong.

[@donnarichey144]

I always have a hard time hearing you have to turn my sound way up. Thank you for sharing. Then ads come on and blast.

[@StephaniesStitches]

That's on YT's end...I can't do anything to fix it, but I am sorry about that!