Fabric - Scraps are good for this project. Use a good quality 100% cotton fabric, that does not easily fray. You will be handling this fabric a lot and there will be some fraying, but you don’t want to unravel to the seam line. (Note: Don’t pull threads that are unraveling, snip them.) Batiks are wonderful; just keep in mind that they are harder to needle. Also, I always wash my fabric first but this is a personal preference, however, freezer paper will stick much better to washed fabric.
Pattern - Click on "The Block" icon on the right, it will take you to the patterns.
Freezer Paper
Mechanical Pencil (also white pencils or any other color that will allow you to see the lines on the back of your fabric. A .02 black Micron pen is good to use as it doesn't tend to leak through to the front of the fabric)
Paper Scissors
Fabric Scissors - Small ones for cutting thread and dog ears
Rotary Cutter - A small cutter is nice
Cutting Mat.......\ a larger cut ‘n press is very handy to use on your lap
Ironing Surface../
Iron (Dry)
Small Ruler - 1 x 12 Omnigrid is a lovely size
Larger Ruler - For rotary cutting - 4 x 14 is a great size for cutting while sitting
Needles - My personal preference is Piece Maker size 12 betweens, however they are very short. Most hand piecers use a “good” quality Sharp. There are many brands available, John James, Roxanne, Richard Hemming, to name a few, try out as many as you can, until you find the one that works for you.
Thread - My favorite threads are Aurifil 100% cotton, 50/2 weight and Mettler Silk Finish 100% cotton, 50/3 weight. Machine embroidery threads work well and can be found in 60/2 weight but are hard to find in smaller spools. Some prefer silk, but colors are limited, it tends to unthread from the needle and it’s rather expensive. I often match the color thread to the color of fabric and also use white or a light to medium grey. The thinner the thread the less bulk there will be in your seams.
Pins - I use Clover Glass Top Appliqué Pins, they are short, so do not hang up on the thread and are nice and thin. I know a few ladies that like to use their extra needles to pin, but I tend to drop them and then I can’t find them, until I get poked with it.
Thimble - Optional
Crispy
