design walls
 

I have done a lot of searching for different kinds of design walls on this forum and have concluded that I want to make one out of the large sheets of insulation and cover it with flannel. When pinning the blocks to the board, do they stay on or does the top get too heavy and the pins pull out? I have thought of making one that is flannel covered for quilting on one side but use the other side for a large place to put the grandsons' pictures. Therefore, I could use one side for the sewing and the other side when not quilting. For anyone who has made a portable wall, please advise.

I thought with flannel the blocks stay on without pinning.

and they do.... but i chose felt for several reasons, it is 6' wide and inexpensive, comes in lots of nice colors and it not only holds the blocks as well, but when it begins to flatten and get 'more slippery' and start to lose the blocks, take a large scrub brush and brush well.... the nap comes back up and is 'new' again... (like once a year, not that often).... and you will be happier if you do this with your flannel, too, if you decide to go that way...

Good idea about brushing up the napp when it gets flattened from use.
My design wall is simply an inexpensive flannel-backed plastic tablecloth, less costly than a lg piece of flannel or felt. I got it for $1.00 at an after Christmas sale one year. I take it down from the closet door in my sewing room and fold it to store, as I do not ned it up all the time, especially while working on placemats or other small projects. When I want to use it, I throw it in the clothes dryer for a minute or 2 to warm it up so it will lose the fold lines and be smooth again.
Good luck with whatever you choose - the insulation board sounds fine, just too bukly for my space.

I used a foamular board purchased at Lowe's covered with one of the Fons and Porter design wall (flannel). I really like it. It will hold the blocks without pinning, however, since I move my design board around alot I usually pin them anyway. I haven't done it yet, but I plan to put a black felt on the back so I can switch it up whenever I want to. Here's a picture of mine if you want to see it.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/members...78-289243.html

I use the insulation board without a covering. When I am making something that has a definite size such as a quilt for children's hospital, I mark the size with tape on the insulation board. When the design is finished, I pull the tape off. Couldn't do that with a fabric covering.

excellent idea!!! thanks...

I just use a large piece of fluffy batting.

I agree, I use an inexpensive flannel-backed plastic tablecloth, works great!

I use a permanent flannel wall. First I attach sheets of insulation to the wall. One or two long screws through the center of foam sheet and into the stud. Then pin one edge of flannel to foam. Then use spray glue, (Scotch 77, I think) spraying a little at a time as you smooth the flannel over the insulation. (Cover surroundings with newspaper) Tuck in the ends and pin in place. I have been able to hang full size quilted quilts without a single pin. Held for over an hour till we had to take it down and move on to the next quilt.(We were taking pictures for a book.) I think what was important was that the flannel was securely glued to the insulation board.
For a portable board, I had a friend that attached the covered foam board to a header board. (Maybe 1" x 2") Then when she wanted to use it she hooked it over the closet door frame.