Here are my favorite tools for needle-turn appliqué. (Find a special set of them in my shop here.)
Thread:
Thread for Basting: 50 wt Aurifil cotton thread in a contrasting color to the appliqué fabric (cut shape or top layer)
Thread for Appliqué: 80 wt Aurifil cotton thread in a color that matches the appliqué fabric (cut shape or top layer)
// Read more about the various Aurifil thread weights and options.
Pins, Needles and Clips:
Appliqué Pins: Clover Appliqué Size 12
Appliqué Needles: Clover Gold Eye Appliqué Needles No. 10
Clips: Clover Mini Wonder Clips (These are great for holding multiple layers together when cutting a folded shape.)
// Shop Notions
Scissors:
Large fabric scissors for cutting your shapes: Kai 7230, Kai 7170 or Kai 7150, depending on the project.
Small fabric scissors for cutting threads, clipping seam allowances, etc: Kai N5100, Kai N5100 Serrated or Kai 7100.
Marking Tool:
Frixion Pen in red or navy for light to medium-color fabrics
Gelly Roll White Pen for dark fabrics (Note: This is not a removable marking tool, but that isn’t a problem for marking and cutting out appliqué shapes.)
*ALWAYS test any marking tool before using.
Other Supplies:
Thread Conditioner: Sew Fine Thread Gloss
+ Read more about why I love Sew Fine and our collaboration
Thimble: Colonial Thimble Pad
Seam Gauge: Having a seam gauge is so handy that I designed and made one of my own!
Iron
Heavy paper or template plastic for copying template.
Needle Threader (optional)