My Favourite Quilting Tools of 2025 (The Ones I Reached For Again & Again)
As the year winds down and I tidy up my sewing room for a fresh start in 2026, I always find myself reflecting on the quilting tools that truly made a difference this year. Some tools were pleasant surprises, some old favourites stayed loyal, and some became total game-changers for my quilting workflow.
If you’re looking to refresh your tool kit or find great gift ideas for a quilting friend, here are my most-used quilting tools of 2025…
1. Oliso Iron – Still My MVP
I’ve tried many irons, but my Oliso Pro continues to be my daily workhorse.
The auto-lift feature, the consistent heat, and the way it glides over seams, I love the sound it makes everytime I press the steam out too!
This year I find myself using the Mini Oliso iron more than the Olison Pro. It is so much easier to use in those small pockets of time that I have, it is easier to manage the small iron. One thing though, the water tank is so teeny too!! I have a water bottle to fill it quickly as I work. It is definitely still worth it.
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Check out Oliso PRO Iron HERE> and the mini Oliso iron HERE>
2. Wool Pressing Mat
I know I talk about this one often—but only because it truly transforms pressing. Crisp seams, a faster workflow, and the perfect companion to my Oliso iron.
This year, I received a massive wool pressing mat from Novodon (you can find one HERE), and I absolutely love the generous surface area. Having so much space has made pressing large blocks and quilt sections so much easier. One unexpected bonus? I’ve become much more mindful about keeping my pressing area clean. With a larger surface to work on, I naturally tidy up more often—and my sewing room stays neater because of it.
Grab Novodon Extra Large Wool Mat HERE
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3. Standing Thread Cutter
This little tool has quietly become one of my favourites. My standing thread cutter might look simple, but it saves so much time, especially when I’m chain piecing. Instead of reaching for scissors over and over again, I can trim threads quickly and keep my workflow moving smoothly.
What I love most is how it helps me stay organised and work faster without breaking my rhythm. And an added bonus? No more accidentally snipping my fabric (we’ve all been there!). It’s one of those small tools that makes a surprisingly big difference in my sewing room.
You can check out all the different variation HERE>
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4. Basting Pins with Cover
The cover on these basting pins has definitely made me enjoy pin basting again!
These basting pins have been such a hand-saver for me, especially when I’m pin basting larger quilts. The protective cover makes opening and closing the pins much easier and far gentler on my fingers—no more sore hands halfway through basting.
I also love how secure they feel once in place, which gives me peace of mind when moving the quilt around for free-motion quilting. They speed up the basting process, feel safer to use, and make a task that can feel tiring much more manageable.
I also love them for their bright colours—they’re easy to spot when I’m free-motion quilting, which gives me extra peace of mind as I work. And honestly? Anything that makes me look forward to basting is a win in my book.
You can grab the cover for the basting pin HERE> There’s only one size, so you’ll have to buy the correct basting pin to make it work. Or you can also get the one already covered HERE>. There are various colours to choose from, you’ll have to get few boxes to have a mix of colours.
5.Olfa Ergonomic Rotary Cutter
I’ll be the first to admit it, I absolutely do not need this many rotary cutters. I currently have 4 Olfa ergonomic rotary cutters in my sewing room: three of the 45 mm cutters and one 60 mm for thicker cuts. Is it excessive? Maybe. Do I regret it? Not at all.
The truth is, this is hands-down my favourite cutting tool. I love having one at each cutting station so I never have to hunt for it or break my flow. They’re comfortable to use, easy on my hands, and always ready to go. I even received a new one this year from Sew Sampler Box, and I was ridiculously excited because it was coral pink. Like, “more excited than any reasonable adult should be about a rotary cutter”. But here we are.
What started as “just one good cutter” has somehow turned into a little collection that I reach for constantly. And honestly, if a tool gets used this often and brings this much joy… I think it earns its place in the sewing room.
You can check them all out HERE>
6. My Janome Horizon MC8200 QCP
This machine deserves a special mention. I’ve been using my Janome Horizon MC8200 QCP since 2014, and after all these years, it’s still going strong. That alone says so much about its reliability and build quality.
What I love most about this machine is the generous throat space, which makes free-motion quilting so much more comfortable—especially on larger quilts. The stitch quality is consistently beautiful, the machine feels incredibly stable at higher speeds, and it handles everything from delicate piecing to dense quilting without complaint.
Over the years, this machine has quilted countless projects with me, evolving alongside my skills and confidence. It’s been there for late-night quilting sessions, deadline pushes, and quiet moments in the sewing room when quilting felt like therapy.
I’ve used many tools that come and go, but this is one that has truly stood the test of time. The MC8200 isn’t just a sewing machine to me—it’s a trusted partner in my quilting journey. The fact that this model is still available in the market also says how durable it is!
Check it out HERE> or HERE>
💛 Final Thoughts
Tools don’t make a quilter—but they definitely make quilting more fun.
I’m so thankful for these little helpers that supported my creativity this year.
What quilting tool was your favourite in 2025?
Tell me in the comments—I love discovering new things from you too!
