Hi everyone. I just found/joined this list but can tell you all have lots of info. For those of you who have design boards or walls, could you give me some advice on which fabric to use (or not to use)? I have about a 6 x 8 foot wall space for it. I've heard flannel, fleece,& felt. What have you used & are you happy with it? Thanks. Ruth aka Nonna2

Ruth,
I have a design wall made of flannel covered core boards. I love it! The flannel works most always but when I start layering fabric and I need to stick a pin in that's when the core board comes in handy. I'm a retired teacher so a flannel board just seemed natural to use!:lol:

This last week I decided I needed a flannel covered wall to hang some of my multiple projects so I don't forget them! I just stapled some flannel directly to the wall. Pretty soon I'll have the whole room covered in flannel!

My sister-in-law uses a flannel backed plastic table cloth that she had. She just tacked it up, flannel side out. Works a charm!

In a pinch my sister has used batting. I guess it's whatever's handy!

Thanks, Yvonne. Sounds great. Is the nap on the flannel an issue requiring direction, or does it matter?

Since it's just fuzzy I don't think it matters, mine works great.
kathy

Ruth, When I started making my design wall I was using a sticky-back core board and scraps of flannel. I was just picking flannel that fit the board and sticking it on and nailing it to the wall. I'm sure I've got fabric grains and naps running everywhich way! No, I don't think it matters.

When I first read your note I was thinking, *napping on the walls? I can't sleep vertical!* Who's warped! :lol: No napping on my walls.

Ruth, And my suggestion would be to use a tan-colored flannel. Dye it if necessary. Most flannels are white (like mine) and find it to be very stark, particularly when you are setting the blocks and will be using a alternate block. Tan is just softer.
Someone on Alex Anderson sugguested the tan. Suz

I use flannel that is gridded. Works like a charm!

Anita

Anita,
Where do you find the grided flannel? I was thinking to make mine from a sheet and flannel, but like the idea of it being grided. Or did you grid it?

Sharon

Hi Sharon,

I think I found it at Hancock's, or maybe JoAnn's. Prior to that, I used a fine Sharpie and drew my own lines, which work okay, but isn't perfect.

I also have a foamcore board with just plain flannel on it that I use probably more than the bigger one with the grids. Sometimes the grids detract from what I am trying to see. However, it is great for getting rows straight, etc.

Hope this helps...

:)
Anita

Hi Anita,
Thanks for answering so quickly. I love this group for being so friendly and helpful. I don't know how it took me so long to find y'all...

Thanks for the info. I did a 3 square quilt for a friend of mine last summer and had real troubles getting the squares lined up to be able to "see" where I wanted to put the sashings, etc. with laying them all on the bed. I'm just going to have to figure out a way to mount a wall of some sort. I like the idea of the grid, if it's light enough to not distract me. But on the other hand, I like the idea of the foamcore board that I can put away when not in use. I have a very compact home now that our children are grown and gone and much as I'd love to have a bigger home just for my quilting, crafts, sewing, etc. I couldn't care for it so I look for ways to adjust, organize, and basically make it work well in small spaces.

Living on retirement savings and income sorely messes with my ideas of 'quilting spaces.'

Thanks, again