Free Motion Quilting Supplies: What I Use at My Machine

If you’re getting ready to free motion quilt, you might be wondering what supplies you actually need. There are so many threads, rulers, feet, and gadgets available, and it can feel like you need a little bit of everything before you can get started.

But you really don’t!

Today I’m taking you over to my quilting machine to show you some of my favorite free motion quilting supplies, including the threads I use, my quilting gloves, and a few rulers I like to keep nearby.

I’m quilting on a sit-down longarm in this video, but everything we’re talking about applies to domestic sewing machines, too. I just have a little more room to move my quilt around.

Let’s Talk Free Motion Quilting Supplies

In this video, I’m walking you through my setup and showing you what I actually use when I’m quilting. We’re talking about top thread, bobbin thread, quilting feet, gloves, and rulers.

And while I certainly have my favorites, you don’t need to use the exact same supplies I do. The goal is to find what works well with your machine and makes quilting more comfortable for you.

My Favorite Free Motion Quilting Supplies

Quilting Threads

Thread is one of those things that can really change the look of your quilting.

Two threads I use are:

• Polylite Thread — A thread I use for machine quilting.
• Kimono Silk Thread — Another option I like having available when choosing how I want my quilting stitches to look.

I also talk about top thread and bobbin thread in the video, along with a few things to consider when choosing thread for your quilt.

Free Motion Quilting Gloves

I love having a good grip on my quilt while I’m moving it around under the needle.

Free motion quilting gloves help me control the fabric without having to grip it so tightly. They’re one of those simple tools that can make quilting feel much more comfortable.

Free Motion Quilting Rulers

Rulers are another tool I like having nearby, especially when I’m working on more structured quilting designs.

One of the rulers I use is the Creative Grids Slim Free Motion Quilting Ruler.

Rulers can help with straight lines and other guided designs, but you certainly don’t need a whole collection of them to begin free-motion quilting.

Just make sure you’re using a ruler quilting foot and rulers that are compatible with your machine.

My Complete Supply List

If you’d like to browse more of the tools and supplies I use, I’ve gathered them together in one place.

See All My Free Motion Quilting Supplies

Want to Quilt Along With Me?

This video is actually one of the free introductory lessons from my new class, Quilt It Already!.

I’m pulling four unfinished quilt tops out of my closet and finally getting them quilted!

Throughout the class, we’ll explore free-motion quilting designs, all-over quilting, custom quilting, ruler quilting, and how to decide what kind of quilting works best for each quilt.

And you don’t have to make the same quilts I’m making. Four quilt pattern PDFs are included, but you’re welcome to bring a quilt top from your own WIP pile.

All three lessons in Chapter 1 are free to watch, so you can come take a peek before deciding whether you’d like to join us.

Watch the Free Lessons in Quilt It Already!

You can purchase the class individually for lifetime access, or take it as part of your Quilty Club membership.

Whether you’re quilting on a domestic machine or a sit-down longarm, I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared to sit down and start quilting.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.