Cutting equipment – buy a good quality pair of dressmaking shears and keep them just for cutting fabric so the blades stay smooth and sharp.  You will also need a small pair of sharp pointed scissors for cutting threads when sewing or working embroidery stitches.  A seam ripper is also useful (but not essential) for removing unwanted stitches quickly and easily..

Needles  - these should be fine enough to pass through the fabric easily with an eye large enough to comfortably hold the thread without it slipping out.  For hand piecing and basting you will need general purpose needles (sharps) in a variety of sizes.  For hand embroidery crewel needles in various sizes will accommodate most embroidery thread, however, if you are using heavier embroidery thread such as pearl cotton you may find chenille needles easier to use as they have a larger eye than crewel needles.

Pins – an essential requirement for holding crazy patches in place whilst you baste or stitch them.  Medium weight dressmakers pins are suitable for most crazy patchwork project using cotton fabrics.  Glass headed pins are also good as they are slightly longer and easier to see.  Do not choose plastic headed pins as these will melt when you press your patches with the iron.  If you are using delicate fabrics silk pins are the best choice as these do not leave holes in the fabric.

Embroidery hoops – adjustable wooden embroidery hoops are ideal to hold your work flat whilst embroidering patches and seams.  They are available in various sizes.

Thimble - if you plan on doing a lot of hand patching and embroidery a thimble will be invaluable.  There are various types of thimble available including metal and leather.  It is a matter of personal preference which you choose.

Iron and ironing board – it is essential that crazy patchwork is pressed during the patching phase to keep your work completely flat.

Sewing machine (optional) – this will speed up patching and finishing but is not essential.  A sewing machine with fancy embroidery stitches is useful for decorating patch seams.

Foundation fabric  - this is essential for crazy patchwork and it must be a non stretch material.  The easiest to use is cotton calico or lightweight cotton sheeting.  It is advisable to pre-shrink cotton calico before use if the finished item is to be washed.  Cotton canvas can be used for the foundation on heavier weight items such as bags and cotton or silk muslin is ideal for use with lightweight fancy fabrics such as silk.  Fusible bonding fabrics, such as Steam-a-Seam, can also be used as a foundation.

Patch Fabric – there are hundreds of different types of fabric available, many of which are suitable for crazy patchwork.  The easiest to work with are 100% cotton fabrics and we have a great choice in our stash packs and fat quarter packs which give an assortment of small size fabric pieces in various colours.  Other fabrics suitable for crazy quilting include linen, wool, velvet, silk and satin.  Do not choose fabric that is too thick or there will be too much bulk in the seams.

Sewing thread – good quality cotton thread for piecing and assembly.

Embroidery thread – traditionally crazy patchwork seams are embroidered.  There are many types of embroidery thread which are suitable for crazy patchwork including cotton, rayon, silk, wool and metallics in various types thicknesses.  The easiest for beginners to work with is pearl cotton no 8.  We sell mixed thread packs which contain an assortement of embroidery threads in a mixture of colours. 

Embellishments are not essential but are great fun! They can include: sewn on beads, buttons, charms, shisha mirrors, lace motifs, ribbon roses and bows, tassels and cigarette silks; embroideries, appliqués, ribbon embroidery, fabric painting and stencilling.

Trims are a very popular addition to crazy patchwork seams and patches and include lace, braid and ribbon.