Everything You Need to Know About Making a Quilt Design Wall
If you’re an avid quilter, having a designated quilt design wall is hugely helpful when laying out quilt blocks and tops. A design wall allows you to effortlessly move pieces around until you find the perfect configuration. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to create your own quilt design wall, from selecting the right surface to tips and tricks for using it effectively.
Choosing a Surface
- Flat smooth wall – An empty wall in your sewing room is the ideal location for a design wall. Make sure the surface is flat without any protrusions.
- Magnetic vinyl – This peel-and-stick magnetic sheeting is the most common material used for quilt design walls. It securely holds fabric in place via magnetic attraction.
- Fabric-backed vinyl – Similar to magnetic vinyl but with a soft fabric backing for a less industrial feel. Good for sensitive fabrics.
- Flannel backed fabric – Flannel offers a softer surface than vinyl. Requires safety pins or fusible web to secure pieces.
No matter the material, a smooth surface at least 4×6 feet is necessary for laying out standard-sized quilt blocks and tops. I go with magnetic vinyl since it’s easy to reposition fabric without damaging it.
Installing the Surface
Thoroughly clean and dry the wall before installation. Measure and cut the vinyl or fabric to the desired size, leaving excess to wrap edges. Apply according to packaging instructions, smoothing out air bubbles as you work. Once adhered, trim edges for a polished look.
InstallHooksandrodhardwaretohangdesignwall pieces when not in use. Mount the hooks at the top of the design wall spaced about 8-12 inches apart. This allows flexible organization of large and small projects.
Essential Tools
A few key tools make the quilt design process much smoother:
Rotary cutter and mat – For efficiently cutting fabric pieces to size before laying out. A must-have for precise cuts.
Straight pins – For temporarily securing fabric layers that won’t stay put on their own. Fine point pins grip fabric without damage.
Fabric marking tools – Whether chalk markers, friction markers or air/heat erasable pens, these allow marking fabric without permanent marks.
Seam ripper – For removing pins or adjusting placements without harming the fabric.
Measuring tape – To ensure pieces are the proper dimensions before finalizing a layout.
Design wall itself! An organized, well-lit space is key for seeing color combinations and continuity.
Tips for Using a Design Wall
Here are some tips I’ve picked up from using my design wall on dozens of quilts:
From my experience, taking time to play with layout options on a design wall results in a more polished end product. Being able to visualize different configurations is invaluable. While throwing fabric on the floor may work in a pinch, a permanent wall provides the control and convenience every quilter deserves.
Design Wall Alternatives
If short on space or budget for a permanent wall, consider these options:
While not as polished as a fixed wall, these creative solutions still allow safe, adaptable design work. The key is finding an organized flat work surface, whether mounted or mobile. With any option, an intuitive layout goes a long way in completing beautiful quilting projects.
I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to create your own optimal design space. A well-appointed quilt wall truly enhances any quilter’s workflow. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions!
Quilt Design Wall Options
| Material | Cost | Portability |
|---|---|---|
| Flannel or cotton fabric | $10-20 | Foldable |
| Peg board | $20-40 | Mounted on wall; not portable |
| Large foam board | $15-30 | Lightweight; can be moved |
| Quilt store design wall | $100-300 | Mounted on wall; not portable |
| Magnetic fabric | $30-50 | Easily moved; attaches to metal surfaces |
FAQ
- What materials are needed to make a quilt design wall?
Basically you’ll need some sort of backing board to pin or staple quilt pieces and patterns on. Something like wood boards, foam boards, cork boards or even just a wall work fine. Next you’ll want some pins to attach fabric scraps and templates. You can pick those up pretty cheap. Maybe the Gorilla Grip brand is kinda cool cuz they don’t leave holes. - How big should a quilt design wall be?
The size really depends on the size of quilts you want to make. Kinda go as big as you have space for. Nevertheless, most home quilters find something around 4 by 6 feet works for medium-size quilts. On the other hand, if all you need is to lay out a small wall hanging, a smaller board may do. - What is the best surface material for a design wall?
Many folks say they like using plain old sheet cork just because of its texture – quilting pieces supposedly don’t slide around as much on it. However, some claim peg boards are equally good and more affordable. Another choice gaining popularity is using foam insulation boards, which are basically like rigid foam panels used for house construction. At the same time, some simply use plain drywall or wall surfaces. - How do you attach fabric pieces to the design wall?
Straight pins work well for most lightweight cotton fabrics. Stronger magnetic or “Gorilla Grip” style pins give a bit more holding power for things like batting pieces. Some quilters also use fabric glue sticks for extra secured smaller bits or appliqué pieces. Despite this, regular straight pins are cheap and get the job done fine for a lot of projects. - How should I store my pieces after removing them from the design wall?
Organizing fabric pieces is half the battle! Many quilters will use plastic storage boxes or bags to keep pieces separated. Label boxes or bags with the quilt name and fabric descriptions. Otherwise it’s amazing how fast things go awry. Some even take pictures of fabric layouts for future reference, like in case pieces get mixed up. - Is outdoor space OK to use as a design wall?
Unless you’re making a rugged camper’s quilt, outdoor design walls have some downsides. UV light can fade fabrics over time. Rain or other moisture may cause mold issues too. Insects and stray pets aren’t much help rearranging pieces for you either. So unless you’re working on a small section for just a day, indoor space is best to protect fabric investments. Staying inside is kind of the safer bet overall! - What else do I need to know about using a quilt design wall?
As with any craft, practice makes perfect with a design wall. Playing around with layouts is how innovative new designs emerge. Don’t be afraid to pin up ideas,sleep on them, and unpin in the morning for a fresh look. Maybe take snaps of strong contenders too. In the end, mixing expertise with experimentation brings quilting vision to life. Most of all, enjoy the creative process!