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All About
Notions & Thread
Selecting the right fabrics is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of quilting. Whether you’re wondering how to coordinate colors, how much fabric to buy, or whether premium materials are worth the investment, this guide brings together the most common questions quilters ask. Explore expert tips, practical advice, and helpful insights to make confident, creative decisions for every project.
What basic notions do all quilters need?
Essential quilting notions include rotary cutters, cutting mats, rulers, pins, needles, thread, seam rippers, fabric scissors, and marking tools. These tools help you cut, measure, and piece fabrics accurately for precise quilting results. For applique quilting, you will also need an applique pressing sheet.
How do I choose the right needle size for quilting?
Needle size depends on the fabric and thread you’re using. For standard quilting cotton, a universal or quilting needle in sizes 70/10 or 80/12 works well for most tasks. McKenna uses a 75/11 needle for most of her free-motion quilting, but will use a smaller 60/8 needle when stitching tiny delicate appliques like bird beaks or feet.
Why do some quilters prefer specific thread brands?
Different thread brands vary in strength, consistency, and colorfastness. Experienced quilters often stick with brands they trust for smooth sewing, minimal lint, and long-lasting results. McKenna prefers clear mono-poly monofilament thread as opposed to nylon monofilament thread because it does not stretch when stitching. It also allows her to free-motion stitch the quilt top without having to frequently change thread colors.
How do I prevent thread breakage while quilting?
Use high-quality thread, adjust machine tension properly, and replace worn needles regularly. Thread breakage can also be reduced by sewing at a moderate speed and keeping threads clean and untangled.
Are rotary cutters better than scissors for fabric cutting?
Yes. Rotary cutters provide clean, straight cuts and are especially useful for repetitive cutting of strips, squares, or intricate shapes. Scissors are still useful for trimming or finishing edges.
What tools help keep seams accurate and straight?
Quilters rely on rulers, seam guides, pins or clips, and pressing tools. Consistent seam allowances and careful pressing help maintain precise block alignment.
How often should sewing machine needles be replaced?
Needles should be replaced after every 8–10 hours of sewing or when stitching becomes uneven. A fresh needle prevents skipped stitches, fabric snags, and thread breakage.
What storage solutions are best for notions?
Clear plastic boxes, drawer organizers, and magnetic tins work well for keeping threads, needles, pins, and small tools organized. Labeling storage makes finding supplies fast and easy.
How do I choose the right batting and backing materials?
Batting weight, fiber type, and loft affect quilt drape and texture. Cotton, polyester, or blends are common choices, while backing fabric should coordinate in size, color, and weight with your quilt top. McKenna’s preferred batting is Hobbs Heirloom 80/20. It's a lovely, light, cotton-poly blend.
What kind of monofilament thread is recommended for raw edge applique?
Clear polyester monofilament is ideal for raw-edge appliqué because it blends with most fabrics while remaining strong and smooth. Test on scrap fabric to ensure proper tension and stitch appearance.
​What kind of thread should I use in my bobbin?
McKenna prefers to use cotton thread in her bobbin when using monofilament thread in the top. She typically chooses a color that will either contrast or compliment the backing fabric nicely.
What is an applique pressing sheet?
McKenna’s preferred pressing sheet is The Appliqué Pressing Sheet by Bear Thread Designs. It is a semi-transparent Teflon sheet, that comes in a variety of sizes, that helps you assemble designs that have several layered pieces. The pieces stick to each other, but not to the sheet.
​What size applique pressing sheet is recommended?
A 12" × 12" or larger pressing sheet works well for small to medium blocks, while larger sheets may be used for bigger pieces. The sheet protects your iron and fabric from fusible adhesive. McKenna’s preferred pressing sheet is The Appliqué Pressing Sheet by Bear Thread Designs. It comes in a variety of sizes,
How do i use the applique pressing sheet?
After you have traced the applique pieces onto the fusible web, place the appliqué pressing sheet over the placement guide (found in the pattern). Peel the paper backing off of each appliqué piece and start arranging them right on the applique pressing sheet, following the placement guide on the pattern below your pressing sheet. After each piece is placed, tap them gently with the iron to fuse the pieces together. The pieces stick to each other, but not to the sheet. When you are finished, just lift off the complete element as one piece and iron it onto your background. You can also place the pressing sheet over your appliqué pieces before pressing with a hot iron. This prevents adhesive from sticking to your iron and helps fuse the pieces securely to the background fabric.
What kind of fusible is needed for raw edge applique?
McKenna recommends using a paperbacked lightweight fusible web designed for appliqué, such as Heat’n Bond Lite, Steam a Seam Lite or Misty Fuse. These products temporarily bond the appliqué fabric to the background without adding bulk. Each fusible works differently, so be sure to read the manufacturer directions.
What are the main tools I need to work on a McKenna Ryan project?
Typical tools include fabric scissors, rotary cutter and mat, rulers, needles, thread, fusible web, pins or clips, and an iron and an applique pressing sheet. Optional items like a light table can help with alignment.
What is fusible web and how do I use it?
Fusible web is a heat-activated adhesive sheet that bonds fabric layers together. Cut the web to size, place it between your appliqué and background, and press with a hot iron to fuse.
Is fusible web permanent adhesive?
No. Most lightweight fusibles are not meant to be permanent and require sewing to permanently adhere a project together. However, some heavier fusible webs create a permanent bond once activated with heat. Some are repositionable before pressing, but the bond becomes durable after ironing.
Do I need a special iron to create one of McKenna’s designs?
No. A standard household iron works for most projects. Be sure it can reach the temperature recommended on your fusible web instructions.
Do I need a light table to work on one of McKenna’s patterns?
A light table is optional but helpful for tracing or aligning designs. Many quilters successfully complete projects without one by using windows, working on a light or white colored surface and other tracing techniques.