Quilters have incredible choices available to them with notions. Walk into a quilt store and you will literally see walls full of gadgets just for quilting. Where exactly do you start?

Scissors are absolutely the most important tool you need, but not just any plain scissors that have been around the house and used by family members.

You need your own scissors that will be devoted only to cutting fabric, trimming threads, and opening stitching lines. You need sharp scissors that comfortably fit your hand. You need different scissors: something small to trim threads; something pointed to get into tight spots for trimming; something large to help you cut through several layers of fabric easily.

Seam rippers wouldn't be needed if every seam we sewed was perfect, but it just doesn't happen that way. If you create an heirloom, then you want to be able to fix mistakes. It means ripping out stitches, and seam rippers come with a sharp edge to cut fabric. Seam rippers get dull with use - don't forget to replace yours.

What about needles? We grab a needle from the pin cushion and thread it to sew on loose buttons. Not if you are going to quilt - either by machine or by hand.

Look at Quilting Betweens if you are doing hand quilting: tiny, fine needles that go through fabric easily. Machine needles vary, depending on your needs. Needle sizes are important; the larger the needle size, the larger the eye of the needle; if you are working with specialty threads, a larger needle will keep the thread from breaking as you are sewing.

One of the best things you an do for your quilts is choose the appropriate needle. Basic straight stitching will use an 80 needle. Metallic threads will use a 90 needle. If topstitching or sewing through heavy fabric like denim, look for needles that are specific to the task.

Which pins to use? You need to hold fabrics in place while you sew. Find pins that have glass heads to them; they are resistant to heat if you iron over them, and they are easy to see as you are sewing. Buy good pins. Cheap pins will pull threads and cause runs in your fabric.

Finding the right iron and ironing board matters. You do a significant amount of pressing when you are making a quilt. Pressing keeps seams flat and gives your quilt a professional look. Choose your iron carefully. Automatic shut-off is excellent, because you get involved and forget about whether or not you turned the iron off. Consider the weight of an iron: lightweight and yet durable enough for a lot of use. Don't forget your ironing board. You want a board at comfortable height so you are not bending over while ironing. Replace your ironing board cover once a year. Covers get burned, get fusings on them, and generally wear out.

Thimbles are a personal decision. If you do a lot of hand sewing and quilting, look into a thimble. They come in simple metal, ornate metal, leather, and other materials. You want one that is comfortable and protects your fingers. Don't resign yourself to the first one you buy if you don't feel it protects your fingers. Try others until you are satisfied.

Everything else.....Once you start quilting you will be amazed at just what is available for tools. Good things to have on hand are FrayCheck for making sure edges don't unravel; needle threaders for lower light or aging eyes; marking pencils to mark seam allowances, quilting lines, and cutting lines; and sizing to restore a crisp finish to fabric.

Shopping for notions can be daunting when you first start quilting. Remember that not everything may work perfectly for you the first time. Look for other brands if you are not happy with your first choice.

Don't go "cheap" just to save money. You are making an heirloom, and your efforts deserve the best tools you can provide.

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