Monthly Craft Question: Your Favorite Craft Tool

Posted by Caley on March 4th, 2010 at 05:00am

We asked, “What is your favorite tool?” to some of our blogger friends for the Monthly Craft Question. You can answer in the comments. Here are the favorites:

• Sewing Machine (3 votes)
• Rotary Cutter, Mat and Ruler (6 votes)
• Scissors (5 votes)
• Crochet Hook (3 votes)
• Hands and Fingers (2 votes)
• Hot Glue Gun (4 votes)
• Knitting Needles (2 votes)

And the actual responses:

Ann DeOtte of Still Dottie

I’d be happy to. I have to say that my favorite is my rotary cutter, mat & ruler. i seem to use it for everything!

Erin of Patchwork Underground

My favorite craft tool is my rotary cutter and my rotary cutting mat. It makes cutting straight lines for quilting SO MUCH FASTER. It is a bit expensive but it’s by far the best crafty investment I ever made.

Pat Sloan

My favorite tool is this Clover Desk needle Threader in Lime green! I not only keep one in every project bag but I’ve given them as gifts to people who just hem and sew on buttons.. it’s a miracle threader!

Christine of The Sometimes Crafter

That is a hard one to answer when there are so many useful tools that I consider “favorites”. But I think the one tool I love the most, and could not live without, is my 28mm rotary cutter. I use this for every one of my cutting needs – cutting yardage, squaring up, using with my circle cutter ruler… I would be lost without it.

Maegan of Love Maegan

I usually just use the basic scissors, measuring tape and thread ….so I’m going to say: my hands.

Elizabeth of Covered in Crafts

My favorite craft tool is the paper piercer. It’s small, easy to carry and is constantly being used for all sorts of crafts.

Sheila of Cheeky Magpie

I remember reading once about how to measure the cost and value of scrapbooking or craft supplies. As a general rule it said that you should get one layout or project per dollar investment. With that in mind, my favorite crafts tool is definitely my Cricut Expression. It was an investment but well worth it because of all the things I can do with it. I use it along with a program called Sure Cuts a Lot (SCAL) which is my other favorite tool. SCAL allows me to cut files and fonts from my computer. I create a lot of my own files, which has saved me money in the long run. To top it off, I always get exactly what I want because I make it myself. Love the freedom!

Denise Clason

My favorite craft tool(s) is the rotary cutting system! It has opened so many doors in my quilting career! I have also used the tools for cutting paper (I reserve one rotary cutting tool just for cutting paper)! Makes my life quick and easy! Wish the tools could make up dinner for me, just as fast, too! :O)

Jeniffer Neill of Hope Studios

My favorite craft tool is a paint brush. I can do most anything with it from building a (faux) brick wall to writing a letter. I can brighten up a room, paint a best friend, make a window, or embellish a special find. It’s really the most versatile tool in my box of tricks!

Phyllis Dobbs

I would have to say my favorite craft tool is very simple and basic – scissors. Every single craft I do from sewing, quilting, needlepoint, paper crafting and just about everything else requires cutting with scissors. Scissors would go with me to the proverbial “deserted island” so I could craft with leaves and vines!

Eileen Hull

Favorite craft tool? Just one? I would have to say it is my Sizzix Big Shot die cut machine. It is designed to work with not only the Sizzix dies and embossing folders, but the competitors’ as well. I especially like how it handles heavier materials; basically anything that may be cut with scissors. There are a great variety of dies to suit everyone’s design style and a new collection is introduced each month.

I recently designed a line of dies for Sizzix called ScoreBoards, that cut and score matboard into boxes, folders and totes. Please check out my blog for lots of Sizzix ScoreBoards projects: www.eileenhull.blogspot.com. Or check out www.sizzix.com/blogs on Mondays where I post projects, techniques and tips!”

Lesley Dietschy of eCrochetPatterns

My favorite craft tool is a H crochet hook!

Helen Bradley of Http-Design

I have a lot of tools and most of them I would hesitate to part with. I love my Making Memories Slice – it’s smart and convenient and fun to use. I love my favorite old cutter that has a tendency to bend as it cuts but whose habits I’ve got used to adjusting for over the years and which I wouldn’t part with. I also love my Tim Holtz Tonic scissors – yep, it’s my second pair because even though I thought they were totally indestructible I’ve discovered that computer circuit boards are just a bit too tough for even these little beauties.

But my favorite all time tool is Ranger’s non stick craft sheet. Like it says, it is non stick but that’s just the start. You can also heat it so it is great to use when embossing and when heat drying those wonderful Ranger paints that can be dried with a heat gun (which are fantastic for artists with type A personalities and who hate having to sit watching while paint dries). I use it as a work surface and pour gobs of paint on it as a palette – the dry paint just scrapes off when I’m done. The only thing that has so far managed to damage my Ranger craft sheet is an eXacto knife – ok so it’s no substitute for a cutting mat – but it’s great at everything else.

Sayra of Hat Diva

Sure! My favorite craft tool is my vintage handmade drum carder. I use it to card my fiber batts destined to be yarn or for felting!

The carder: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hatdiva/3687740117/in/set-72157615248534784/

Batts: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hatdiva/4380696190/

Michelle Sybert of Muffin Tin Mom

I have a pair of crafting scissors that were passed down to me after she passed away, almost two years ago now. She wrote the words “therapy” on one side. She was an avid crafter and had a home based craft business much of my growing up years. Along with those wonderful scissors, she passed on to me a life long love of crafting and creativity. Now, every time I use those scissors, I think of her and remember all the special memories we shared.

I love the Crop-a-dile. This tool is not your mama’s hole punch. It cuts through paper, chipboard,  wood cutouts, and so much more. It also doubles as an eyelet/gromet setter. I have made so many crafts where people ask me “How did you do that?” I always say ”I couldn’t have done it without the Crop-a-dile”.

Lorine Mason of DivaSchmivas

My absolute favorite would be my sewing machine. Does that count – it does to me and I really want it to promote it to everyone!!!!!!!!

Julie Carson of Joy’s Hope

Hands down: The Fiskars rotary cutter, ruler and self healing mat. I would go absolutely crazy without them.

Niki Meiners

Well, It is really hard to limit myself to simply one tool.  I have a few basics that I cannot craft without.  First being my Tonic Scissors.  I have several varieties for all of my needs. My Tonic Paper Trimmer for straight edges. My bone folder for smoothing creases and spreading glue. My cutting mat allows me a washable work surface and it doubles as a ruler.  ( I am always losing my clear ruler – It is clear after all.)  The last few items are more materials than tools but I somehow manage to work Chestnut Roan or Coal Black Ancient Page by Clearsnap ink into almost all of my crafts.  The very last thing is my set of colored pencils by Koh I Noor when combined with a Dove Blender Pen. So there you have it my not so “short” list of my must haves.

Maize Hutton

My fave craft tool (right now anyway) is my wood burner! It costs about $15 and has a bunch of different inter changable stylus ends like flowers, circles, triangles etc. Currently, I’m using it to burn the edges of thrifted leather jackets that I’ve torn apart and cut into all different shapes. I can even monogram the leather with the wood burner!

Priscilla Burris

My favorite craft tool would have to be my trusty Dahle Cut Cat paper trimmer that i bought more than 20 years ago at an art/craft convention. It has remained faithful in all I work in, predominantly greeting and gift cards, tags and various paper crafts I create. One thing about having this tool long before children were born in our family, is that it makes me chuckle to realize I now sometimes have to hunt for it, and find it in one of my artistic daughter’s bedrooms – alongside her own creative workings and tools! It’s not pretty, but it’s definitely a cherished family heirloom.

Anita Bragg

clothes pins w/the spring…they make excellent clamps and “3rd” hands for all kinds of arts and crafts.

Ellen Gormley of Go Crochet

Besides the crochet hook… my favorite crafting tool is my digital camera! I use it to take photos of things that inspire me. I take photos of projects in-process to illustrate how to do it or to jog my memory of how I made it or put it together. I take photos of alternate ways of compiling elements to inspire future projects. Of course, I love looking at photos of my finished work. When I make afghans made of motifs, I often will photograph the various ways that the motifs can go together in different patterns or color schemes before I choose the configuration I like best.

Caroline Devoy of J Caroline Creative

My favorite craft tool of the moment is the Scor Pal (www.scor-pal.com). Coming from the world of fabric, I had no idea that you could get a paper folder and what a difference it makes! And this one provides great guides so you really can’t screw it up. I’ve been folding paper like a mad woman since I got this tool in December.

Jill Green of Homemade By Jill

My favorite craft tool is definitely my sewing machine.  I couldn’t live without it these days!

Alicia Kachmar

A crochet hook, of course!

Beckie of Infarrantly Creative

Holy pajamas…just one? I can’t live without my air compressor and tools. I use a paint sprayer, air nailer and air stapler probably weekly to reupholstering, refabbing furniture and DIY projects.

Katie of All Bower Power

My must-have craft tool is my hot-glue gun.  I use it for everything from embellishing curtains to making my own accessories to creating some homemade art.  It’s the ultimate tool in my craft holster.

Chasity of Belle and Burger

wow  it is kinda hard to say what my favorite tool is. I am gonna say right now it is my new to me Necchi 523(1985). I have always had brand new bottom of the line brothers. Those 2 brothers served me well but I put machines through a lot so correcting the tension was a constant struggle. I got the necchi in a trade and had it serviced, just to start off on the right foot with it. It is so smooth and really just hums beautifully; it just feels good to use it. I think buying a machine that is older then say 15/20 years is a great investment. You can find good machines on craigslist and if you need a manual ; most are available on-line. I am still learning to communicate with my sweet necchi but I predict a long and fruitful relationship.

My favorite product right now is heat and bond lite.

Kathy Beymer of Merriment Design

This is an easy one. My favorite craft tool is the rotary fabric cutter …and its faithful companions the self-healing mat and clear ruler. I remember the first time that I used the rotary fabric cutter years ago to make a fabric handbag. I just measured the width with the ruler and ran the rotary cutter down the side. What?? No paper pattern to make? No measuring and marking with a pen and cutting out — jaggedly, usually — with scissors? Are you telling me this piece of fabric is cut within a few easy minutes?

Yes, why yes it is. And I have been using a rotary fabric cutter ever since. Most of my free projects at MerrimentDesign.com use a rotary fabric cutter. It’s particularly great when cutting out interfacing and fabric, or making multiple items like for gifts or for sale …just stack fabrics/interfacing and cut once. And I often use it on paper too even though I also own a “proper” paper cutter.

Becky Meverden

My favorite craft tool is able to adapt to whatever craft I am working on at the time.  It is portable and able to travel even onto an airplane without security problems.  It is easy to clean and requires little maintenance.  I never have to worry about it becoming obsolete relegated to a shelf or closet. My favorite craft tool has made me the crafter I am today and has helped me to enjoy a full and meaningful life.  What could this tool be?   My fingers.

Mylne Hillam

Whenever I need a quick or interesting background in a hurry I always reach for the Cuttlebug…. it is without a doubt my favourite tool. I love that you can use it on so many different 2D surfaces and apart from  paper and cardstock I also use it to texture acetate, Fantasy Film, Friendly Plastic (yes, you read right – Friendly Plastic!), metal sheets, matting board…..I could go on but it’s a long list. It’s the best tool I’ve invested in.

Jenya of MyEvaForeva

Thanks so much for writing.  I would have to say one of my most recent favorite tools is my new set of bamboo knitting needles.  I’ve don’t so much knitting with huge needles and bulky yarn that to use a fine wool yarn and thin needles is so refreshing.  Bamboo is an excellent material for knitting needles because it’s light, smooth, and stays warm as you work with it.  Love it!

Carol Heppner

While at the 2010 Winter Craft and Hobby Trade Show, I was given Westcott’s® Titanium Bonded® non-stick scissors to take home with me.  When working with paper, I tend to use double-stick tape a lot.  If you have ever used scissors to cut tape, you know the scissors will become a sticky mess. These scissors promise to be non-sick scissors.

So, I tried using Westcott’s® Titanium Bonded® non-stick scissors.  They worked great.  The scissors cut through the sticky adhesive and did not become sticky at all.  I used the scissors when working on the artwork for my last three articles and never once had a problem with adhesive sticking to the blades.

The blades are  non stick and cut beautifully.  They are on the top ten of my favorite craft tools.

Chica and Jo

When asked what our favorite craft tool is, it took us about a millisecond to come up with an answer.  Hands down, our favorite tool is our Cutter Bee scissors!  There’s really hardly a project we ever do that doesn’t involve them.  We absolutely love their super-sharp point, and they do an amazingly precise cutting job.  Plus they’re really comfortable to hold, and small enough to take just about anywhere your crafting leads you.  We couldn’t survive without these little yellow guys!

Kate Riley Eshoo of Centsational Girl

My favorite craft tool is not my most used craft tool.  My most used craft tools are obviously my hot glue gun and my staple gun.  The one favorite tool I adore is my mallet.  It’s the only tool that lets me pound wood dowels or nailhead trim with a rubber head and without damage. It’s essential to me !

Terry Ricioli

Right now, my favorite craft tool is a chasing hammer and steel block.  I guess that’s two, but they work together.  I love to create texture on metals and wire and these tools are perfect for that.  But, they not only create a hammered texture on metals, they also work to texture and distress paper, wood, clay and soft plastics.

Tina of Tina Stitches and Crafts

My Favorite Craft Tool is my glue gun! I could live without out it! =)

Laura Bray of Katydid Designs

I would have to say my favorite craft tool right now is my sewing machine.  Does that count?  For the longest time I fought with it, but we are on pretty good terms right now that I actually know how to use it properly.

Becky of The Fab Miss B

Becky’s favorite tool is her computer. She sent over a blog post about this answer.

Linda Walsh

The answer to this is kind of a quandry for me.  You would think that the craft tool that I use the most, my glue gun,  would be my all time favorite.  Well, it wasn’t – now it is.  Whenever I’m crafting it’s always in my right hand.  In fact, sometimes I think it’s glued itself there!  It is vitally important to just about everything I do – so much so that I have to admit I’ve burned a few of them out over the years.  But, from time to time it’s also been my least favorite tool as it has caused me a great deal of pain.  Getting scalding hot glue on ones hands and fingers from time to time was not a pleasant experience – especially when it was so hot your skin would blister and peel.  However, over time they developed low temp glue guns – which no longer cause me pain.  So, now my favorite tool would be my glue gun – but, it wasn’t always that way.

Nikki of Whimsy Girl

My favorite craft tool, of many, are a pair of scalloped paper scissors. Scallops just make everything more sweet!

Freda of Creative Chics

I sew my creative ideas into aprons, napkins, towels and a number of items for the home but specifically the kitchen.  You would naturally think my sewing machine was my favorite tool but instead it is my iron.

No matter how beautiful the fabric, perfect a design, seamstress abilities, if you don’t have a good iron to press each seam along the way the end result will look cheap and fail to appeal to others.

I also hold a lot of favor in my little 4 inch seam ripper, because I need it fairly frequently as I make my own patterns and that is almost always a trial and error process.  However, number one is the iron it makes even your little mistakes invisible.

Angie Asplund of This and That

My favourite crafting tool is definitely my hot glue gun! I actually just have a tiny dollar store one that I have been using for years and it does great. I use it for so many things like making hair clips and bows, making felt puppets,  jazzing up shoes with jewels, and making fridge magnets. I especially love it because it is quick and easy to use. It dries super fast and is really secure once it is dry. I love my glue gun…even if it is from the dollar store!

Chris Pickup of Pickup Some Creativity

My favorite tool right now is my bias tape maker.  I use bias tape for many of my projects.  It is so nice to customize the tape and to be able to match things better by making my own bias tape…plus it is usually cheaper to do so!

Heather Parsons of Small Fry and Co

My favorite craft tool is a bone folder.  Super useful for all sorts of projects.

Amy Anderson of Mod Podge Rocks

My favorite craft tool of the moment is my EK Success 1″ Scallop Circle Craft Punch!  I know it seems very simple, but it’s amazing how much a little scalloped circle ads to a project.  I’ve been doing a lot of cards and small frames lately, and the little craft punch comes in handy.

Shannon Bielke

My favorite craft tool is The AmericanTag eyelet setter (we call it the purple monster). Love it!!!

Becca Dulgarian of Blue Cricket Designs

There are always a few tools I always gravitate to when creating! I love Distressing ink! It’s a must when adding detail and depth to any paper craft. I also love beautiful fabric! It doesn’t take a lot either! I’ve created some amazing results with only scraps! And of course I always have my hot glue gun at hand! It’s the go to tool for quick and easy assembly!

Salihan of Salihan Crafts

It’s hard to pick between my craft tools as I love knitting as much as crocheting. If I had to choose only one, my favourite craft tool is my complete set of Knit Pro Symfonie Interchangeable Needles. They are an absolute dream to knit with. Worth every cent!

Rachel Griffith of PS I Quilt

hmmm… i’d have to say my sharpie markers. i use those bad boys for everything. seriously.

Allison Czarnecki of Petit Elefant

My favorite craft tool is my Cricut Expressions machine.  Love that thing to bits and itty bitty pieces.

Don’t forgot to tell us your favorite craft tool in the comments!

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