pcq42

what should I use for my design board?
and how big should it be???

MissM

My cousin uses foam board insulation (you can get it at hardware stores like Lowes) for a design board. The full size sheet uncut. It works great. As soon as we get out BR renovation project done DH promises me my sewing space project is next and he also promises me a design board and that is what I plan to use.

pcq42

good idea!!!!

DogHouseMom

I just hung a large sheet of flannel on my wall. Currently I have my avatar hanging on it (avatar is roughly 30" square). It's been hanging there for weeks without falling. It's not pinned, just 'stuck' there.

When I'm using my design wall to actually design, and the pieces are small - then I'll pin them to it just to make sure they stay put.

LLWinston44

I have a huge piece of flannel also. Put some button holes in it to reinforce the weight it holds at times.
Some use a plastic tablecloth. The back of it holds the fabric. Really really well.

JeannieT

I went to JoAnn's and bought the largest artist canvas they had - it already has a lightweight wood frame on the back, so hubby stapled flannel nice and neat on it, then put sawtooth picture hangers on the back. Now it's hung , easy to take down if I want and I got it with a 50% coupon!!

ckcowl

i'm lucky to have 12' of wall space-
i used 1" thick foam board- 4'x8' sheets; covered with wide white muslin- adhered to the wall with double sided tape-
i can stick pins in when needed- i can lay blocks on the flannel and they stay (when the project is coming together and starts getting heavy i can use pins- works great
make yours as large as you have space for- use flannel to cover- you can make them portable- or permenent-depending on your space/needs
there are tons of tutorials for design walls-
you can use flannel backed vinyl table cloths,
you can use roll up shades over windows or doors,
you can tack flannel to your wall- you can purchase a 'block butler' there are others on the market too- ones that use frames- like tent poles-making an easel
design it to fit your space/sewing requirements

NJ Quilter

I bought 2 flannel lined plastic tablecloths for about $3 each. Started to sew them together. Decided I'd do an overcast stitch. Got a few inches along when I realized I had them faced backwards. Overcast stitches do not rip out very well. Finally just cut the edge off; got them faced correctly. Then I discovered I had matched the short side to the long side. It's still sitting in a heap next to my sewing machine waiting to be sliced and re-done AGAIN. Just no time to deal with it in the last few days. Nor is there time to work on the quilt for which I need the design wall so I guess it's not so bad.

pcq42

so many ideas!!!!
thanks