Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a quilting business requires understanding both the creative and business sides of the craft. These books provide practical knowledge about quilting techniques, design, and the operational side of running a profitable quilting business.
The Quilter’s Book of Design by Anita Shackelford
This book teaches you how to create original quilt designs and understand composition, color, and pattern—essential skills if you want to offer custom quilting services or sell your own designs. Strong design sense directly impacts what you can charge and how quickly clients return for repeat business.
Shop The Quilter’s Book of Design on Amazon →
The Business of Quilting by Harriet Hargrave and Carrie Hargrave
Written specifically for quilters starting a business, this book covers pricing strategies, managing clients, time management, and scaling production. It addresses the real financial challenges quilters face when turning their hobby into income, including how to price custom work and wholesale quilts appropriately.
Shop The Business of Quilting on Amazon →
Longarm Quilting Simplified by Melissa Loughnan
If you’re considering longarm quilting as part of your business model, this book breaks down the techniques and shows you how to develop your quilting style. Longarm services are a high-margin revenue stream if you decide to invest in that equipment later.
Shop Longarm Quilting Simplified on Amazon →
Mastering Machine Appliqué by Harriet Hargrave
Appliqué is a specialized technique that commands higher prices. This book teaches precision methods that reduce waste and increase production speed, directly improving your profit margins on custom work.
Shop Mastering Machine Appliqué on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Your startup equipment depends on which quilting services you plan to offer. A traditional piecing and finishing business requires different tools than one focused on longarm quilting or commission work. Start with essentials and add specialized equipment as your business grows and you understand your customer demand.
Sewing Machines
- Domestic sewing machine: A reliable workhorse with straight and zigzag stitches, at least 1000 stitches per minute. Critical for piecing blocks and binding quilts.
- Walking foot: Feeds fabric layers evenly to prevent puckering when quilting.
- Free-motion quilting foot: Lets you create custom quilting designs by moving the fabric in any direction.
- Thread tension gauge or tension discs: Helps you maintain consistent stitch quality across different threads and fabrics.
Shop sewing machine feet on Amazon →
Cutting Tools
- Rotary cutter: A sharp wheel cutter that creates precise straight cuts through multiple fabric layers quickly.
- Self-healing cutting mat: Protects your work surface and the rotary cutter blade. Get at least 24″ x 36″.
- Quilting rulers: Metal or thick plastic rulers for measuring and guiding cuts. Essential sizes: 6″ x 24″, 12.5″ square, 6″ square.
- Fabric scissors: Sharp, dedicated fabric shears that never touch paper.
- Seam ripper: For correcting piecing mistakes quickly.
Shop rotary cutters and mats on Amazon →
Pressing Equipment
- Iron: A quality steam iron with a large sole plate. Precise pressing defines professional quilting.
- Ironing board: A dedicated, sturdy board—not the standard home board. Taller models reduce back strain during long pressing sessions.
- Press cloths: Cotton fabric to protect your iron and quilts from shine and starch buildup.
- Pressing ham or sleeve: For pressing curved seams and 3D appliqué work.
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Measuring and Marking
- Measuring tape: For quilt dimensions and customer measurements.
- Fabric pencils or chalk markers: For marking quilting designs and cutting lines without permanent staining.
- Quilting stencils: Reusable patterns for consistent custom quilting designs.
- Light box or design tablet: For tracing complex designs onto fabric accurately.
Shop fabric markers and stencils on Amazon →
Thread and Batting Supplies
- Thread: 50-weight cotton for piecing, 40-weight for quilting, 30-weight for visible decorative quilting.
- Batting: Cotton, polyester, or cotton-blend. Start with cotton for beginners—it’s easier to quilt.
- Bobbin thread: High-quality bobbins prevent tension issues and thread breakage.
Shop quilting thread and batting on Amazon →
Design and Planning Tools
- Quilt design software: Programs like EQ8 or Quilter’s Studio let you design quilts digitally, estimate yardage, and plan production.
- Design notebooks: For sketching ideas and tracking customer preferences.
- Color swatches or fabric sample books: Build a reference collection for showing clients color combinations.
Shop quilting design software on Amazon →
What to Buy First vs Later
Prioritize based on your immediate service offering. Don’t buy everything at once—your cash flow and business focus will evolve.
- Buy First (Month 1-2): A reliable domestic sewing machine, rotary cutter and mat, quilting rulers, fabric scissors, iron and ironing board, quality thread, batting. These are non-negotiable for any quilting business.
- Buy in Months 2-3: Walking foot, free-motion foot, pressing ham, fabric markers, light box, quilt design software.
- Buy Only If Needed: Longarm machine (expensive: $5,000–$15,000+, only justified if you offer longarm services as your primary income). Specialized equipment like embroidery machines or sergers add capabilities but aren’t essential to start.
- Budget for Ongoing: Fabric inventory, thread restocking, batting, and wear-and-tear replacement of cutting tools and needles. These are continuous operating costs.
New vs Used Equipment
Used equipment can save money, but some items are worth buying new. A used sewing machine of unknown history may have internal damage that doesn’t show immediately. Budget $800–$2,000 for a solid new domestic machine with a warranty. Used machines from reputable sellers (estate sales, established quilt shops) can be acceptable if you can test them first.
Always buy new rotary cutters, blades, and needles—dull tools create uneven seams and waste fabric. Used cutting mats are fine if they’re still flat and not warped. Pressing equipment (irons, boards) and hand tools can be purchased used without risk. Batting and thread must always be new and fresh. Used longarm machines are common and can save $2,000–$5,000, but hire a professional to inspect them before purchasing.
Where to Buy
- Local quilt shops: Support small business, get expert advice, and access exclusive fabric and notions. Prices are higher than online, but the community and knowledge are valuable.
- Amazon: Competitive prices and fast shipping on generic tools and supplies.
- Specialist retailers: Websites like Quilter’s Supply, MSQC (Missouri Star Quilt Company), and Craftsy focus on quilting and often have bulk discounts.
- Fabric wholesalers: Distributors like Benartex and P&B Textiles sell in bulk (usually 20+ bolt minimums) at wholesale prices—useful once your business scales.
- Estate sales and thrift stores: Occasional bargains on used machines and vintage quilting tools, but quality varies.
- Manufacturer direct: JANOME, Bernina, and Brother sometimes offer direct pricing or educational discounts if you register your business.