I was just reading about some of the design walls you all have and one of the posts mentioned dying the flannel. I'm wanting to do that, too, because it is so stark white when there is nothing on it. Mine is flannel backed vinyl hung from a long curtain rod. Has anyone tried to dye flannel backed vinyl? My DH is afraid the flannel might come off the vinyl.

I think it would be like washing a vinyl table cloth. I've done that, but the vinyl tends to pucker because of flannel's shrinkage.

What color is everyone dying their flannel?

you could possibly use a fabric paint that does not have to get hot..or maybe just try tea or coffee to stain the white and take the 'stark-ness' of the white out. usually you do not want your design wall to be 'colored' because then some blocks may disappear, or just not look right, white or some toned down neutral is best. i don't think actual dying would work too well with the vinyl back

Why not purchase a cheap flannel sheet and dye that? I got one at Walmart and put it up on a curtain rod. I haven't dyed mine but I think it would be easier than dying something with vinyl backing. Just my humble suggestion.

:lol: I think it will be a mess to try and do. :lol:
Do you have extra vinyl you could do a test on?
My mind's eye sees the dye bath running off of the vinyl. What kind of container are you going to have your dye bath in?
I might like to be a fly on the wall so I could watch. I get myself into all kinds of messes because I am a 'try it and see what happens' person. Can't wait to see how you master it. You will do good.

There are dyes that you can use that don't need heat, it's a cold immersion.

Procion MX is one brand that I have used when making hand-dyed FQ's.

I agree with Dorothy, sounds like a bit of a messy project on a piece so large.

The main reason that people choose white is so the colors of the work is not affected. I actually have one white one, one black one.

If you do want to have a design wall in color, rather than a dying project have you considered buying 72" wide felt? It comes in many colors. I feel felt makes a nicer surface than flannel for this purpose. Just a thought.

Here's an example:
http://fabricdepot.com/index.php?pag...rchstring=felt

I actually like the stark white. It really makes my quilts and blocks show up. I don't want them to blend into the wall. I need to see how they really look. I always keep a quilt on mine, it is very seldom blank. I have a lot of UFOs. LOL

I actually like the stark white. It really makes my quilts and blocks show up. I don't want them to blend into the wall. I need to see how they really look. I always keep a quilt on mine, it is very seldom blank. I have a lot of UFOs. LOL