There are a number of tools a quilter cannot do without.  Basic things such as needles, a seam ripper, etc. are a given.  This is my must-have cup that sits on my cutting table with all of my most important utensils at the ready:

Let’s see if I can explain some of my most-necessary tools of the quilting trade with you:

• Back Scratcher – the white pasta fork was a revelation from my friend Mel and it works as a PERFECT back scratcher!
• Pinking Shears (silver handle)
• Sewing scissors (two pair) – punishable by death if anyone uses them for something besides fabric
• Pencils and pen, markers and fabric markers
• Corner pushers (wooden and clear plastic ones – for those tote bags that need the corners pushed out
• Rotary cutters – you cannot see them in this photo, but they are in there!  I have one of the small ones that I do use to cut paper and then a medium sized one with a pinking blade on it.  My larger cutters are somewhere on my cutting table.
• The American Flag – to remind me of my roots