Design Wall

A design wall is essential to all quilters and every quilter uses some form of design area. It is an area where quilters can lay out their quilt pieces or block to get an overall view of how it looks before it is sewn together. In the early stages most use either a table top, bed top or floor for the larger projects.

I have found being able to audition pieces of fabric for my quilts, especially sashings and borders gives me confidence in my final choice and I'm less likely to make colour mistakes. It saves unpicking and I'm yet to meet a quilter who loves to unpick their work.

A design wall can be as simple as a large square of flannel fabric (a bed sheet will work) or batting, to as complex as covering hardwood with suitable fabric and attaching it to a wall or a frame.

Photo courtesy of Heidi Elliott

Elements of a Design Wall

1. The Covering

The main function you need is to have your quilt fabric cling to the wall with little or no pins. This makes it easier for you to move your pieces around. One of the best fabrics for this is flannel. You can also use felt or low-loft batting. When attaching this to your backing remember to slightly stretch it over the backing and staple, tape or pin it to the back.

2. The Backing

Depending on your space available, budget or whether you need a portable wall, will dictate what you can use. I have listed a few suggestions below:

* Flannel backed tablecloth that you can roll up and store.

* None. Use a flannel sheet pinned to the wall.

* Roll up blind with flannel fabric attached using adhesive spray. Also portable as above.

* Cork board or hardwood that you can purchase from hardware stores or lumber yards. Check whether they will cut it to size for you as well. Walls made from these are easier to use when completed as they hold onto the pieces of fabric as well as being able to be leaned against a wall or a door.
If you choose to make your own then the major advantage is you can make it the size you want.

You can also purchase a professionally readymade one as well.

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