I have moved into my new sewing space, and although it isn’t finished, it HAD to get a design wall ASAP. I had making to do! After poking around the interwebz, I cobbled together bits of what I learned and made a design wall that works for me and my space. It is large at 96″ wide x 83″ high. It holds fabric nicely and I can stick pins in it.

This thing makes me feel like I’m Winning at Quilt Life.

How I made my design wall

Here’s the basic rundown on supplies:

  • 1 queen-size flannel flat sheet
    (a soft gray is an excellent backdrop for auditioning colorful fabric)
  • duct tape (a lot!)
  • 2 packages of insulation foam panels
    (I got mine at Home Depot. Each package came with 6 panels that were 14-1/2″ x 48″ each)
  • basting spray
  • 2-3 value packs of jumbo Command strips
  • a level (if needed, for hanging)
  • a razor blade/super sharp knife
    (scissors are not sharp enough to get a clean cut on this foam material)
  • a long, straight-edge ruler
  • enough floor space to lay everything out
  • a helper (not shown)

I laid out the flannel sheet with the front side down. I did not cut this sheet, because I might want to use it as a sheet someday. Could happen. Once it was laid down, I made it mostly smooth and taped it to the floor at the edges.

Each of the two packages of foam panels contained six panels. I trimmed 4 inches off the bottom long sides of two panels so the design wall didn’t cover a vent and electrical outlets.

Spray the adhesive on a panel, lay it on the sheet and press. Continue with all the panels, taping the seams with duct tape as you butt the edge of each to the last. I failed to get a picture of the initial layout of the panels, so here’s a graphic.

Fold the sheet over at the top and bottom first. Tape down where you’ve brought the fabric over. Next, fold the sheet over at the sides, making a slight taper with the fold to make it nice and tidy on the edge. Tape all around.

Now, tape the snot out of the back. Criss-cross the tape in long strips to create some stability to the horizontal and vertical seams.

Apply the command strips generously to the back, spacing them around to get good hold coverage. Follow the instructions on the package about the tape and loop and paper backing.

Get that helper to help you hang and position this beautiful beast to the wall. Use a level if you need to. I butted mine up to the ceiling. Voila!

Happy Quilting!

~~Tara

P.S. My biggest inspiration was this tutorial from The Quilting Edge. She made hers modular!