Quilt Notes: The Must Have Tools I Trust... 020 0726

Happy Sunday, friends —

I hope you had a lovely Saturday and a chance to settle into the long holiday weekend. We had one of those classic Midwestern summer days here — a drenching downpour rolled through in the afternoon and early evening, soaking everything in sight, and then moved off just in time for the celebratory fireworks. It felt like the sky couldn’t quite decide what mood it wanted, but eventually it cooperated.

Dave and I on the 4th of July

Whether your weekend has been quiet, busy, or somewhere in between, I’m glad you’re here. Today I wanted to share something simple and helpful — the core tools I rely on every single day in the BAQ studio. Build A Quilt doesn’t require a mountain of supplies or specialty gadgets; just a handful of well‑chosen essentials that make the method smooth, precise, and joyful.

Let’s dive in.

Must‑Have Tools for BAQ

3" × 12" Ruler (Quilters Select)

This is the backbone of BAQ cutting. The non‑skid coating keeps the ruler firmly in place, and the clear markings make exact cutting effortless. Every block size in BAQ works beautifully with this ruler — it’s the one I reach for every single time.

3x12 ruler and 45mm rotary cutter

6" Serrated Scissors (Karen K. Buckley)

The serrated edge is a must. It grips the fabric as you cut, giving you clean, fray‑free edges that stay crisp through stitching and pressing. These scissors are precise, comfortable, and perfect for BAQ’s small segments.

Hooked Snips (OESD)

These are my favorite for clipping individual threads. The little hook catches the thread cleanly, making it faster and easier than using a seam ripper. They’re one of those tools that instantly improves your workflow.

70/10 or 75/11 Sharp Embroidery Needle

Sharps give you clean, precise stitches — exactly what BAQ requires. I prefer the Teflon‑coated needles because they glide through fabric and stabilizer with less friction, producing beautifully balanced stitches.

Needles and Snips

80wt Cottonized Polyester Thread (Dove Grey)

This is the most important thread choice for BAQ. Using the same 80wt thread in the top and bobbin gives you perfect stitch balance, and the thin thread reduces bulk in your seams — essential for crisp, flat quilt tops. My favorites:

• Wonderfil DecoBob 80wt in Dove Grey (spools and bobbins available in the BAQ Shop)

• Quilters Select Para Cotton Poly 80wt in Light Grey Both are interchangeable and blend beautifully with all fabrics.

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Washaway Stabilizer

Any brand works — the least expensive performs just as well as the most expensive. Washaway stabilizer lets you remove the foundation from your quilt top, eliminating bulk and giving you a soft, flexible finish.

Favorite Thread

A Favorite “I’d Like to Have” Tool

45mm Pinking Rotary Blade (OLFA)

This isn’t required, but it’s a lovely upgrade. I use it when cutting the segment from the stabilizer — the pinked edge reduces bulk in the seams and minimizes fraying over time. Off‑brand blades work fine, but if you can find Teflon or titanium‑coated versions, they’ll last longer.

I’ll be talking more about this blade in today’s Tools video, so keep an eye out for that later this afternoon

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Closing Thoughts

BAQ is designed to be approachable, joyful, and efficient — and having the right tools makes the experience even smoother. Whether you’re brand new to the method or deep into your quilting journey, these essentials will support every block you stitch.

If you’re ready to join the BAQ community in a deeper way — more skill building, chatting in the forum, and a supportive space to grow your confidence — you may want to join our Quilt Lab membership. It’s where we explore the method more deeply and connect as makers.

Quilt Life Beautiful....

Diana

Website/Quilt Lab/Shop