Gifts for People Who Sew and Quilt

People who sew have strong opinions about their scissors and their machine. So the safest gifts are well-known tools they will use on every project: a fresh rotary blade, a bigger mat, clips instead of pins, better light at the machine. Quilters in particular go through supplies fast. A bigger purchase, like a straight-stitch machine or a self-lifting iron, is a gift they would hesitate to buy for themselves.

Under $25 9 ideas

  1. OLFA 45mm Rotary Cutter RTY-2/C

    The standard quilter's rotary cutter with a safety lock. A useful spare, or a gift for a new quilter still using scissors.

    OLFAStocking stuffer

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  2. Clover Wonder Clips

    Small clips that hold binding and thick layers better than pins and never stick a finger. Quilters always need more.

    CloverStocking stuffer

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  3. Aurifil Mako Cotton Thread 50wt Large Spool

    Fine, strong, low-lint cotton thread loved for piecing. Gift a neutral color like gray or cream that goes with everything.

    AurifilGets used upStocking stuffer

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  4. Clover Seam Ripper

    A comfortable, sharp seam ripper with a cap. Every sewist uses one more than they would like.

    CloverStocking stuffer

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  5. Pilot FriXion Erasable Gel Pens

    Marks disappear with the heat of an iron, which is why quilters use them to trace sewing lines. Test on a scrap first, since cold can bring marks back.

    PilotStocking stuffer

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  6. Dritz Magnetic Pin Caddy

    A magnetic dish that grabs pins and keeps them corralled near the machine. Also great for sweeping up spilled pins off the floor.

    DritzStocking stuffer

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  7. Clover Desk Needle Threader

    Drop a hand needle in, press a lever, and it is threaded. Kind to aging eyes and impatient fingers.

    CloverStocking stuffer

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  8. Odif 505 Spray and Fix Temporary Fabric Adhesive

    A repositionable basting spray that holds quilt layers together without pins. Quilters go through it quickly and appreciate a spare can.

    OdifGets used up

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  9. Moda Bella Solids Charm Pack

    Forty-two five-inch squares of quality solid cotton, ready to sew. A fabric gift that does not require guessing their taste in prints.

    Moda FabricsGets used up

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Under $50 5 ideas

  1. Creative Grids Quilt Ruler 6-1/2in x 24-1/2in

    A grippy ruler that does not slide on fabric, with markings visible on light and dark prints. Quilters often swear by this brand once they try it.

    Creative Grids

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  2. Gingher 8-Inch Knife Edge Dressmaker's Shears

    Heavy, sharp shears that cut cleanly through several layers and can be resharpened for decades. Make sure they are labeled for fabric only.

    Gingher

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  3. Clover Mini Iron II

    A small iron on a stand for pressing seams and appliqué pieces next to the machine. Saves walking to the ironing board after every seam.

    Clover

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  4. Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing

    A long-lived guide with step-by-step drawings for nearly every technique. It answers questions YouTube does not.

    Reader's DigestBook

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  5. Tula Pink's City Sampler: 100 Modern Quilt Blocks

    A hundred six-inch blocks with layouts to combine them. Quilters use it to build skills one block at a time.

    Tula PinkBook

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Under $100 2 ideas

  1. OLFA 24 x 36 Inch Self-Healing Rotary Cutting Mat

    A large self-healing mat that handles a full width of fabric folded once. If theirs is warped or covered in grooves, they will appreciate a new one.

    OLFA

    See it on Amazon

  2. Brightech LightView Pro LED Magnifying Desk Lamp

    Bright, daylight-colored light with a magnifier for threading needles and hand appliqué. Built-in machine lights are rarely enough.

    Brightech

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$100 and up 3 ideas

  1. Brother PQ1500SL High Speed Straight Stitch Sewing and Quilting Machine

    A fast straight-stitch machine with a wide throat and the precision quilters crave for piecing and free-motion work. A serious step up from a household machine.

    Brother

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  2. Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine

    A reliable computerized machine with dozens of stitches, a wide table and a walking foot. A good second machine for classes, or a first real one.

    Brother

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  3. Oliso Pro TG1600 Smart Iron

    Little feet lower the iron when they touch the handle and lift it when they let go, so it never sits face-down on fabric. Quilters who press seams all day love it.

    Oliso

    See it on Amazon