• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Papery Craftery

Quilling and Other Fun Paper Things

  • Quilling Basics
  • Quilling
    • Tutorials
    • Free Quilling Templates
    • Quilling Tools and Supplies
    • Papercraft and Quilling Videos
  • The Crafty Life
    • Crafting Printables
    • Paper Crafting News
    • Other Fun Things
  • Shop My Favorite Supplies
  • About & Disclosures
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Contact

My Most Used Quilling Tools

September 14, 2015

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links below and make a purchase, I may receive a small compensation to help me finance this site and keep coming up with awesome tutorials and tips! I only ever include links to companies and products that I trust and work with on a regular basis. 

Paper quilling is one of the easiest and least expensive crafts for beginners. The rolling itself may take some practice, the basic tools are incredibly accessible and some are probably already in your home.

I’ve made a list of my most used quilling tools to help any quilling beginner get started.

My Favorite Tools for Quilling || My Most Used Quilling Tools || www.thepaperycraftery.com

My Favorite Tools for Quilling || My Most Used Quilling Tools || www.thepaperycraftery.com

Needle tool 

While there are 2 main types of quilling tools, I am a big fan of the needle quilling tool. I know a lot of instructors will recommend the slotted tool for beginners, but I’ve just never really got attached to one. The slotted tool might hold the paper easier, but I don’t care for the little bend it leaves in the center of each coil.

Tweezers 

I held out on buying a pair of tweezers dedicated to quilling and paper craft for a long, long time.  And when I finally got one, I realized it was the one of the most important pieces of equipment that I had.  My tweezers have made some jobs, like making my flower bud gift tags, go soooo much quicker. I don’t know how I went so long without tweezers.

Scissors

You don’t really use scissors too much in quilling, because torn ends of quilling paper leave a smoother result. But there may be times when you need to snip some paper. The thinnest pair of scissors will be your best bet. I stole my scissors from my Nana’s sewing kit over 25 years ago and they work perfectly.

Amazon sells a handy little quilling tool kit that features both a slotted and needle quilling tool, tweezers and some small scissors. That could be a good option for the beginning quiller to decide which type of quilling tool works best for them.

quilling needle tool scissors tweezers

Work Desk

One of my favorite things about working with quilling paper is that you can really practice the craft anywhere! That being said, it’s always wonderful to have your own designated work space. I use this drafting table for my quilling. I love the extra storage underneath the desk, and the space on the side to hold some of my favorite tools.

Thin paint brush

Wiping off extra glue dots and splotches leaves a more professional, finished look to your quilling work.  To do this, I swiped one of my watercolor brushes with the smallest set of bristles I could find. It gets in between all my coils and lines and really cleans everything up.

Glue

I use regular, old, extra strength white glue. Since I use the tiniest drops that I can and brush off as much excess as I can, I don’t worry too much about seeing any extra glue bits.

Needle-nosed glue bottle

Here is where I get particular. I have tried a few different bottles for my glue and this bottle is by far my favorite! Be sure to follow the directions about storing the bottle upside-down to prevent clogs; it really makes a huge difference!

Pins 

Over time, I have gathered a few different packs of straight pins that I use regularly to hold my quilling strips in place.  Longer pins are the most useful, since they can stand further away from the quilling that you’re working on and don’t hit each other get in the way or damage your work as much.

quilling pins and needle tool

Cork boards

Cork boards are the basis of what you build your quilling on. Corrugated cardboard will do in a pinch, but the cork will last and last through years of pin pricks.  Denser, heavier cork works the best. You can find cork boards made specifically for quilling that have a plastic template on the reverse side to use as a shape guide for your coils.

Tracing paper

Tracing paper is ideal for the sketches of your quilling designs.

Wax paper 

Since glue doesn’t stick to wax paper, use a small sheet over the sketch of your design and work over that. Use some straight pins to keep the paper on your cork board, like I did in the photo below. When you’re happy with your finished product, simply peel it off the wax paper.

quillingdesign

Quilling paper 

Of course I have to mention quilling paper! Quilling paper is now available in every shade under the sun and a few widths as well. I use the standard 1/8″ width, but many other modern quillers prefer the wider sizes. Some even cut their own strips!

Quilling comb

I have to admit that I just got on board with the quilling comb train. I don’t use it in many of my designs, but I’ve found some amazing uses for the comb to make flowers and leaves. I’ve been using a plastic hair pick as my comb, but I plan to get an actual quilling comb soon.

Update: I have fully embraced the quilling comb since writing this post. It’s a pretty handy tool, and I’ve featured it in a few tutorials, such as my paper mums and quilled shamrock!

Mat board

I mount my finished quillings on mat board. But one of the funnest parts about quilling is that you can use it to embellish cards, frames, jewelry or anything really. Use your creativity to its fullest!

I’d love to hear what other tools you use for your quilled creations! Leave a comment below and tell me all about it!



Print this post

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

in Quilling, Quilling for Beginners, Quilling Tools and Supplies # favorite quilling paper tools, quilling for beginners, quilling supplies, quilling tools

Reader Interactions

you may also like
How to Make 3 Quilling Paper Flower Buds
4 Fast Fall Quilling Paper Flowers
Autumn Wreath with Quilling Paper Leaves
Quilling Paper Seahorse

Comments

  1. Cathy dixon says

    September 14, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    I’m sure your Nana is pleased that her scissors can contribute to such beautiful work.

    Reply
  2. Heather Coale says

    July 4, 2017 at 5:12 pm

    I quilled one project when I was young. My grandmother bought the kit for me. That’s the only one I ever did. I love quilling and I’m happy to have found you here. I have seen many beautiful designs and I want to get back into it. You know, jumping in with both feet. I’m looking at your blog here to make sure I get this right the first time. What I haven’t seen very much of is pattern books or individual patterns themselves. Is it only following a simple sketch nowadays? I’m not sure.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      July 5, 2017 at 7:46 am

      Welcome back to quilling, Heather! I’m so glad you’re going to give it a try again!
      I’m not 100% sure what you mean by pattern books, but there are kits for projects sold online. Try QuillingSuperstore.com. I’ve seen them there, although I’ve never used them.
      In the meantime, if you have any questions about the basics, feel free to reach out again 😊

      Reply
  3. Janelle Connolly says

    August 13, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    I am offering a quilling class to a homeschool co-op and I am so thankful for all your tips and tricks. I plan to come here for all my planning help and project inspiration.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      August 13, 2018 at 9:34 pm

      That’s great! Let me know how your class works out, Janelle!

      Reply
  4. Hannah says

    December 29, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    How thick of cork board do you suggest? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      December 30, 2018 at 7:46 am

      Hi Hannah, great question! I’ve had a few cork boards that were too thin and wobbly. I’ve found the boards I use the most are at least 1/2” thick and very dense cork. The most important thing is that the boards don’t bend at all.

      Reply
  5. Carol says

    January 2, 2020 at 6:23 pm

    Im glad I found you I’m just starting to learn paper quilling I only know how to make 1 flower so far but I love it I’m looking forward to learning from you

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 2, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      So glad you’re here, Carol! I don’t make as many posts as I used to, but there are tons here for all levels of quilling. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions!

      Reply
  6. Gloria says

    March 26, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    I’ve just started following you! I read above, I notice you didn’t include a picture, or a brand name for the Needle-nose Glue Bottle. As a paper-crafter, I’ve had a lot of trouble finding something that works well! I would be interested to know what you’ve found that works well for you.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      March 26, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      Hi Gloria, thanks so much for finding my site! This post is actually pretty old, and I have some updated tool lists. Check out the “Shop my favorite supplies” page for photos and links to the most up to date info 😊

      Reply
  7. Gloria M Nordine says

    September 26, 2020 at 9:23 pm

    I am really a perfectionist (OCD). I used to have a 6 inch ruler that had little holes every 1/8″. Unfortunately I have misplaced it. I cannot find another or anything similar even 12 inches. Do you know of one? I love my quilling comb. It allows me to work with less measuring and marking.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      September 26, 2020 at 9:51 pm

      I hate to say I’ve never seen a ruler like that. I know how it feels to lose your favorite tools, though! I misplace things all the time. Hopefully it will turn up soon!

      Reply
  8. Paris says

    October 8, 2020 at 12:16 pm

    Dear Meredith,
    Love your site! I’ve been paper quilling for about 4 years now (this is October 2020). I love it because I used to do quilTing and I have so much fabric and it gets expensive. I still love it but paper quilling is more affordable, easy to do anywhere and makes great gifts big or small. One item I just got from Amazon has been a great help. A light box (but it’s thin as a lap top and much lighter) I highly recommend this tool. It’s inexpensive – presently $23. Here’s the info: tiktecklab A4 Size Ultra-Thin Portable Tracer White LED Artcraft Tracing Pad Light Box w dimmable Brightness for 5D DIY Diamond Painting Artists Drawing Sketching
    I use it to do a general sketch of a bird from a photo or something to that affect. Works great and the seller is very friendly.
    I love doing frames, animals and cards. I want to try some 3D characters for fun soon. But I’m working on some Christmas gifts right now! –Paris in Mass

    Reply

Share your thoughts and leave a comment below! Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

About Me

Hi there, Paper People! I'm so glad you've stumbled across my corner of the internet. I'll be sharing my favorite quilling tips and tutorials, plus some creative micro-biz pointers, and lots of paper crafting news! Thanks for stopping by!

Looking for a project, technique or tool? Search here!

There’s more on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/35_gat0Gp4w

Top Hits!

Thank you so much for stopping by my site. If you care to throw more support my way so I can continue to make new tutorials, you can do so by buying me a virtual cup of coffee!

Affiliate Policy

Some posts on this blog contain affiliate links.

If you click on the links and make a purchase, I would receive a small compensation to help me finance this site and keep coming up with awesome tutorials and tips! There’s no cost to you and I only ever include links to companies and products that I trust and work with on a regular basis.

All posts with affiliate links are clearly marked.

The Papery Craftery (ThePaperyCraftery.com) blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Cookie Policy
Privacy Policy

I hope you’re inspired by my quilling!

Feel free to use my designs as gifts or for your own personal use. And I’d love any sharing of my photos and projects! All I ask is that all photos remain unaltered and link back to the original post, and please do not attempt to sell my any quilling created from my designs as your own work. Happy Crafting!

Latest on Instagram

thepaperycraftery

thepaperycraftery
It’s time for spring crafting! This week I’m It’s time for spring crafting!  This week I’m sharing 3 ways to make tiny quilling paper flower buds. Perfect to round out your next floral quilling project.  Full video is up now 👆
#quilling #paperflowers #papercrafts #flowers
Quilling paper shamrocks! One of my oldest and v Quilling paper shamrocks!  One of my oldest and very first designs 😍 full how-to’s are up now!  #quilling #papercrafts #paper #stpatricksday
Most of my FAQ’s are about making quilling paper Most of my FAQ’s are about making quilling paper letters - the first of 2 videos with all the tips is up now!  🎥 link in bio 
#quilling #quillingcrafts #paper #monograms #paperletters
Any day I get to pull out my favorite quilling com Any day I get to pull out my favorite quilling comb is a good day  Quilling a paper spider mums full video with all the steps is up on YouTube  🎥 link in bio 
#quilling #quillingcrafts #paper #papercrafts #paperflowers
I know 3D quilling isn’t everyone’s jam, but I I know 3D quilling isn’t everyone’s jam, but I love the magic in creating something realistic out of simple strips of paper 😍  Full video with all the steps is up on YouTube  🎥 link in bio 
#quilling #quillingcrafts #papercraft #blueberries #handmade
Rainy East Coast days call for teeny mushrooms F Rainy East Coast days call for teeny mushrooms  Full video with all the steps is up on YouTube  🎥 link in bio 
#quilling #quillingcrafts #papercrafts #paperart #autumnvibes #handmade
DIY sweet paper cherries 🍒 The full video wit DIY sweet paper cherries 🍒  The full video with all the steps is up on YouTube now  🎥 link in bio 
#quilling #quillingcrafts #papercraft #handmade
The how-to’s on these sweet cherries and blueber The how-to’s on these sweet cherries and blueberries won’t be up on YouTube until Sunday but they’re too cute not to share early 🤩  🎥 link in bio 
#quilling #quillingcrafts #papercrafts #handmade
4 fast fall flowers - use them all together or jus 4 fast fall flowers - use them all together or just choose your favorites 🤩  Full how-to video is up now on YouTube 🎥
#quilling #quillingcrafts #fallcrafts #paperflowers #autumnvibes #linkinbio
Stacks of paper swirls make colorful quilling pape Stacks of paper swirls make colorful quilling paper clouds ☁️ ☁️☁️  Full how-to video is up now on YouTube 🎥
#quilling #quillingcrafts
Wavy flower blossoms come together in minutes 🌸 Wavy flower blossoms come together in minutes 🌸🌸🌸 Couldn’t be easier!  Full how-to video is up now on YouTube 🎥
#quilling #quillingcrafts #paperflowers
Does anyone else have tons of coneflowers piping u Does anyone else have tons of coneflowers piping up in their neighborhood? The colors are 🤩🤩🤩  Full make your own quilling paper coneflower how-to video is up now on YouTube 🎥
#quilling #quillingcrafts
Tiny quilled ladybugs - 2 ways! Full video is up Tiny quilled ladybugs - 2 ways!  Full video is up now on YouTube 🎥
#quilling #quillingcrafts
Simple quilling paper flowers made on a husking bo Simple quilling paper flowers made on a husking board - comes together so quickly!  Full video is up now on YouTube 🎥
#quilling #quillingcrafts #paperflowers
Quilling paper 🤝 Valentine’s Day crafts Hear Quilling paper 🤝 Valentine’s Day crafts  Hearts are one of the simplest quilling shapes to create and I’m sharing 3 ways over on YouTube this week  #quilling #quillingcrafts #quillingforbeginners #papercrafts
There’s still a bit of time to sign up to join m There’s still a bit of time to sign up to join me at the @rebeccajpage Holiday Craft Summit on Monday!  You can learn how to make these mini wreaths and so much more!  See you there!  #quilling #christmascrafts #papercraft 
#holidayseason #holidaycraftsideas
Just over a week until the @rebeccajpage Holiday C Just over a week until the @rebeccajpage Holiday Craft Summit. I’ll be there sharing these mini quilling paper wreaths!  Join me by signing up with the link in my bio 🎄🎄🎄  #quilling #holidaycrafts #christmascrafts #craftersofinstagram #papercrafts
🔔 It’s almost time to ring in the holidays! 🔔 It’s almost time to ring in the holidays!  🔔 I have a playlist on my YouTube channel all about winter and Christmas quilling - featuring these bells, evergreen trees, ornaments, and more!  🔔 Look for the link in my bio  #quilling #papercraft
#christmascrafts #bells
Just making things out of paper over here #quillin Just making things out of paper over here #quilling #papercraft
🎄Big news! I’m so excited to announce that I’m going to be a part of the upcoming @rebeccajpage FREE Holiday Craft summit on November 29 - December 3.  🎄There will be more than 35 crafters sharing holiday gift and decor ideas - I’ll be sharing an exclusive quilling paper wreath project!  🎄Follow the link in my bio for all the details and to sign up 👆  I’ll see you there!  #quilling #papercrafts #christmascrafts
#holidaycrafts
Load More... Follow on Instagram
2021 © Meredith Amand Designs
made by soulmuse