If you're new to patchwork and quilting and want to know what tools you'll find most useful, let me talk you through the basics...
I don't need to tell you that pins are an essential, but with so many types to choose from - what's best? I'd always recommend glass headed pins as they stand up to pressing without melting! I'd also suggest opting for longer length pins where possible. Safety pins are great for sandwiching layers ready for quilting, and curved ones are specially designed to make this step easier!
However, some people actually prefer to use clips rather than pins, as they are quick and easy to apply and remove when piecing or binding. They come in a range of sizes; extra large ones are good for big quilts, whilst mini ones are fantastic for fiddly areas like corners of binding and small projects.
You'll also likely need some sort of marker to mark your quilting lines. Try different types to find what works best for you, it's usually personal preference! A classic chalk/crayon style marker can be washed out, while vanishing markers go away on their own (but aren't ideal if you won't quilt it right away); meanwhile, others love the erasable markers that can be rubbed off with friction to remove the lines and stay visible and clear for longer.
For those who want to try the EPP method, I'd also recommend a glue basting pen too to make piecing quicker and easier than tacking every individual shape to your paper template. They can also be used for tacking zips and tricky binding corners in place, ready to sew!
