What is a Portable Quilt Design Wall?

A portable quilt design wall is a retractable or collapsible system that allows you to lay out quilt pieces and patterns anywhere. Rather than being limited to your home design wall, these portable versions fold up for transportation. Some common varieties include: n Magnetic design boards – A padded board with magnetic backing lets you stick straight pins through fabric layers. n Roller systems – Fabric attaches to a rolling bar or tube for easy storage when not in use. n Panel systems – Interlocking panels join to form a temporary wall almost anywhere. n

What is a portable quilt design wall?

Basically, a portable quilt design wall is a lightweight panel on which quilters can pin their quilt pieces and designs in various configurations before sewing them into a quilt. Unlike regular design walls that are fixed to a wall, portable ones can be easily moved around.n

What materials are typically used to make a portable quilt design wall?

Portable quilt design walls are usually made from materials like canvas, mesh, or lightweight rigid panels. These let the quilter move the design wall without it being too cumbersome. A common material is canvas because it is soft yet dense enough to hold pins well. Some quilters even use mesh shower curtains which are super light.n

How large should a portable design wall be?

The size of a portable quilt design wall depends on the size of quilts you make. Most quilters feel that a design wall around 5 to 6 feet wide allows enough space to lay out quilt pieces without being too large to move easily. Any bigger and it may become quite heavy. But is a smaller wall big enough? Perhaps get a wall the size of your largest planned quilt plus 1 foot on each side.

What are some tips for using a portable design wall?

Despite what you think, a portable quilt design wall is sort of like a canvas where your quilt comes to life. Some tips include using quilt pins designed not to rust, positioning the wall in bright natural light if possible, and taking photos of designs for future reference. Also, be sure to roll or fold the wall neatly for storage when done to protect your designs.n

How do you transport a portable design wall?

Carrying a portable quilt design wall across town can be a real chore, especially the larger ones. Many quilters fold theirs into a portable carrying tube or attach wheeled legs to get it to classes. On the other hand, you can roll it tightly and secure it with tape. Some people have even positioned eye hooks to hang it like a poster for transport. Ask yourself – is your back up for the task? Maybe find someone to help carry it.n