Quilling Supplies and Tools

When you first start quilling, the only thing you need is strips of paper, a slotted quilling tool, and glue. But, as you progress to more advanced projects, you will find that some tools make your work more enjoyable. Here's the scoop:

Paper
Most quilling projects use strips of paper that are ⅛" wide, though they can be as small as one sixteenth of an inch. The ⅜" and ¼" strips are used for fringed flowers and roses.

You can make your own quilling paper by using a paper cutter to slice office paper into skinny strips. But most people buy their quilling paper because they are quite affordable. Store bought quilling paper comes in all colors. You can choose a multi-color pack or a pack that has shades of the same color. Graduated quilling strips start off with a dark color and then fade to white. Two tone quilling paper have a different color on the front and back of the strip. You can also find gold, silver and metallic colors.

• buy quilling paper here

Glue & Toothpicks
Almost any kind of glue that dries clear will work. Glue that is not too runny and dries quickly is bonus. If possible, get a bottle with a narrow opening so you can dispense the tiniest amount of glue possible. Alternatively, squeeze some glue onto a piece of scrap paper and use the tip of a tooth pick to spread the glue.

• buy narrow tip glue dispenser

Slotted Quilling Tool
Probably, the one thing that you must buy is a slotted quilling tool. This is a handle with a metal stick inserted in one end. the metal stick has a small cut (slot) where you can hook the quilling paper. For a beginner, this tool is a must have.

As you become better and better at quilling, you may wish to get a quilling needle. A quilling needle is skinner and has no slot. You roll the quilling paper right onto the needle itself. It's a little more tricky, but projects made with a quilling needle look better because the central hole is smaller.

• buy slotted quilling tool and quilling needle here

Fringer

When you are ready to make fringed flowers, you will need to cut the quilling paper crosswise many times to form a fringed edge. This can be done with scissors, or you may get a fringer. It looks like a stapler but when you press down, it cuts your paper and then advances it automatically.

A fringer is a luxury tool since it costs $40 to $50. If you're making one flower, then cut the paper by hand; but, it's a great tool if you plan to make lots of fringed flowers.

• buy quilling fringer here

Paper Crimper

A paper crimper is a tool which you may find useful in other projects as well as in quilling. This hand held device will crimp your paper to give it a corrugated look. The crimped paper gives the quilling more volume and adds texture to the project. Other designs exist, but the corrugated impressions are most useful in quilling.

• see examples here (watermelon, paisleys)
• buy paper crimper here

Circle template
A circle template is a plastic sheet with circles punched out of it. The circles vary in size. Place your twirled paper inside the circle and allow the it to expand to the size of the circle. Having loose coils of equal size will allow you to have equal-sized teardrops/eyes which lead to equal-sized flower petals and leaves.

Circle templates are helpful in making eccentric coils. The edge of the circle will hold the coil in place while you compress and glue the rounds of paper together.

• buy quilling circle template here and here

Other Stuff

Pins and a cork board are good things to have when you are making eccentric coils and when you do husking. Tweezers help pick up coils and scrolls and fine tip scissor allow for accurate cutting.

• learn how to quill
• see simple quilling projects
• go to tools and supplies page
• see gallery