Straight Line Quilting Tools and Supplies
Are you just getting started with quilting and want to try your hand at straight line quilting on your home sewing machine? You’re in the right place! Straight line quilting is one of the most beginner-friendly (and budget-friendly) ways to finish your quilts—and with just a few helpful tools, you can achieve beautiful, professional-looking results from the comfort of your sewing space.
In this post, I’m sharing my must-have tools for straight line quilting on a domestic machine, plus a few bonus items that make the process smoother and more enjoyable. These are tools I personally use and recommend—and I’m keeping it beginner-friendly, so no fancy longarm machines required!
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to shop through them. I only link products I truly love and use myself!
What is Straight Line Quilting?
If you’re new to quilting, you might be wondering what exactly straight line quilting is. It’s exactly what it sounds like—quilting using straight (or gently curved) lines across the surface of your quilt. You can follow seams, stitch in the ditch, or mark out your own unique designs. It’s modern, clean, and totally achievable with a domestic sewing machine.
Now let’s talk tools!
🧵 Must-Have Straight Line Quilting Tools
1. Basting Quilt Supplies
Before you even begin quilting, you need to baste your quilt. You can baste a variety of different methods, but I personally have been doing mostly pin basting lately using these curved safety pins. I also like the effect of spray basting on occasion as well! I recommend Odif 505 adhesive spray.
👉 Grab curved safety pins here
👉 Grab Odif 505 adhesive spray here
2. Walking Foot (Even Feed Foot)
If you’re quilting on a regular sewing machine, a walking foot is your best friend. It helps feed all three layers of your quilt sandwich through your machine evenly—no puckering or shifting!
Make sure to look for a walking foot compatible with your specific sewing machine – if your machine is from a local dealer, they will be able to help you find the right one.
Tip: Most walking feet also have guide bars to help keep your lines evenly spaced. I prefer marking my lines, but you can likely skip that step if you are comfortable using the guide bar.
3. Hera Marker for Quilting Straight Lines
For marking straight lines without ink, chalk, or mess, nothing beats a Hera Marker. It creates a crease on your fabric that’s easy to see and follow, and it won’t leave any residue. It’s especially helpful if you’re working with lighter fabrics or just don’t want to risk permanent marks.
👉 Grab my favorite Hera Marker here
I love using my quilting ruler with the Hera Marker to mark out evenly spaced lines before I start quilting. It’s such a game-changer!
4. Quilting Thread for your Domestic Sewing Machine
For quilting on a domestic machine, I have found the best results with either 40 wt or 50 wt thread. I’m a big fan of using Mettler 40 weight silk finish cotton thread—it’s strong, smooth, and gives just the right amount of texture and definition in your quilting stitches. Plus, it blends beautifully on solid fabrics and shows off just enough on prints. Click here for a full run-down on everything you need to know about thread!
5. Quilting Needles (80/12 or 90/14)
Using the right needle makes all the difference. For quilting with 40wt thread, I recommend Schmetz Quilting Needles in size 80/12 or 90/14. They’re designed to glide through multiple layers with minimal skipped stitches. I tend to use mostly size 80/12 so I can easily keep the same needle in for piecing or for quilting.
👉 Shop Schmetz quilting needles here
6. Extension Table or Quilting Table
If your machine didn’t come with an extension table, it’s worth getting one! A larger flat surface helps support your quilt, reduces drag, and makes it easier to keep your lines straight.
👉 Check for an extension table that fits your machine
Helpful Extras for Better Quilting Results at Home
7. Quilting Gloves (like Machingers)
Quilting gloves help you grip your quilt better and keep things steady while sewing. I especially recommend them if your quilt is larger or if you find your hands slipping on the fabric.
👉 Get a pair of Machingers here
8. Thread Stand or Cone Holder
If you’re using larger cones of thread, a thread stand helps keep your thread feeding smoothly and reduces tension issues.
9. Straight Line Quilting Inspiration
Whether you are new to straight line quilting or if you’ve been doing it for years, you might want some inspiration for motifs and designs you can do at home on your domestic sewing machine. Of course you can always do simple horizontal or vertical straight lines, or even a grid design, but eventually you might get bored with those and be ready for something new. Check out my favorite resource: WALK and WALK 2.0 by Jacquie Gering. This book is packed with ideas for quilting your quilts at home.
I also have a few tutorials you might enjoy checking out:
Sewing Machine Maintenance Tools
Straight line quilting uses a lot of thread and creates quite a bit of lint. Keep your sewing machine happy with a few basic maintenance tools:
- Lint brush or mini vacuum – Clean your bobbin area often
- Extra bobbins – Pre-wind several in your quilting thread
- Machine oil (if your machine requires it) – Check your manual
Final Thoughts on Straight Line Quilting Supplies
Straight line quilting is such a great way to get started with machine quilting, and with just a handful of tools, you can feel confident and creative! Whether you’re stitching in the ditch or creating your own unique design, these quilting supplies will set you up for success and help you enjoy the process even more.
✨ Want to get started today? See more of my favorite beginner quilting tools.
