My Favorite Big-Stitch Quilting and Binding Tools
If you’ve been around here for any amount of time, you know how much I love big-stitch binding and hand quilting. Those big, chunky stitches get me every time, and I love the unique, personal, colorful touch they add to any quilt. Big-stitch binding is a quick and easy way to finish off any quilt, and it adds just another layer of handmade goodness to my quilts.
Oftentimes, I stick with a standard running stitch for my big-stitch binding, but sometimes, it’s fun to add in an extra stitch that adds just a little something more. It started with the hearts I wanted to add to my Heart of Hearts quilt, but over time, I’ve also added tutorials for butterflies/bows, a running-stitch variation I call “stitch and stick,” and my latest video taking us back to the basics of big stitch.
But, of course, the first thing people ask me when they’re looking to give big stitch a try is, “What are your favorite supplies?”
While many aspects of hand quilting are personal — everything from the needles and thread you choose to whether you like to use a thimble (and what kind to use if you do) are really just a matter of preference — it’s always helpful to have some suggestions and recommendations for supplies to try when you’re starting out. And there are some basics everyone will need, regardless of the specific type of each item you like.
So, here are the hand-quilting and binding supplies I like to use:
Clover leather ring-style thimble* (I wear this on my middle finger for when I need to push the needle. You can see this and the needle pullers in action in the videos linked below, especially the Basics of Big Stitch one.)
Clover leather coin thimble* (I rarely use standard-style thimbles — I prefer the combo of the two items above — but when I do, this is the one I like. I’ve also tried a second leather Clover thimble that comes in small, medium, and large* sizes to better fit your finger. When buying leather thimbles, always buy the smallest size that will comfortably fit on your finger, as they will stretch out with use. Thimbles are very user-specific. Try a few styles until you find one you like!)
Big Stitch Quilting Needle Pack* made by Colonial Needle (This combo pack includes a range of needle sizes, so you can find the size you like and change it up depending on the weight of thread you use.)
Thread options (Snuggly Monkey has a wonderful selection of each of these):
Embroidery thread, usually by DMC or Lecien Cosmo (Skeins of embroidery thread include six strands, so you can vary the number of strands you use depending on the look you’re going for. I typically use three strands at a time.)
Perle cotton, either DMC or Wonderfil
Sashiko thread (I like this one* if you plan to use a lot of white. Otherwise, Brooklyn Haberdashery and Snuggly Monkey have great color selections.)
12 wt. thread (I typically prefer slightly chunkier 5 and 8 wt. threads, but 12 wt. thread will work well, too.)
Havel’s Sewing 3.5” Double-Curved Embroidery Scissors (These scissors are small enough to fit in any travel sewing pouch, they’re super sharp, and their curved blade helps ensure you don’t accidentally cut into your fabric when you’re trimming threads. I adore them. I'm a proud brand ambassador for Havel’s Sewing and love their products. You can use code "blueskycrafter7" on the Havel’s site to get $7 off orders of $25 or more.)
Small pincushion (Check out my Mini Pinnies tutorial or Maker’s Heart pattern to make your own, or grab a handmade one from my shop!)
Pilot Frixion pens* (helpful if you’re making a design that needs marking, like in my heart binding tutorial)
Wonder Clips* or binding clips
*Disclaimer: To assist you in finding some of the products I use in my work, this blog sometimes uses Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made by clicking on one of the links (marked with an asterisk). This is another way you can help support my business, and I thank you! That being said, if you're able to purchase the item locally, I strongly encourage you to do so. I only feature products that I would use myself.
You can find more tips and tricks for what I include in my travel sewing kit (great for toting around with your hand-sewing projects) here. That post also includes a tutorial for a quick needle book!
For more on big-stitch binding, check out my video tutorials:
Ready to give it a try yourself? I can’t wait to see what you create! Pop any questions into the comments, and if you give one of the tutorials a try, be sure to tag me on Instagram @blueskycrafter so I can see your work!
