How to Make a Portable Design Wall for Quilting with On Williams Street

Not everyone is able to having a permanent sewing space, but that doesn't mean we need to sacrifice functionality. This week we are showing you how to make a portable design wall that you can easily set up in any space you have, but then stores in a closet or under a bed.
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When we moved, I know longer had a dedicated space for quilting! I need tools that I can set up when working, but then easily store away when I'm done. Enter the portable design wall.
This is a quick and easy project and is cheap! If you do have a permanent space, you could make one to take on sew days or retreats (yes, they will happen again one day). You don't need any fancy tools and we made ours for less than $25.

[@tooky94]

I was inspired by your video and made my design wall over the weekend. I really appreciate the advice to make it only 6 feet by 4 feet and to get the 1” thick board.
I made three adaptations:
1- I wrapped packing tape around all of the edges to reduce the wear on the fragile edges.
2- I used a fiber-enhanced tape as the hinge, and I also used that tape to make the styrofoam stronger. I made two horizontal and two vertical tape lines on the design side.
3- I took an old knife, heat it in a flame and sliced that styrofoam like butter. No rough edges!!
I washed my flannel in HOT HOT water and over dried it on super heat in the dryer so it would finish SHRINKING!
Finally, I made the 2x4 foot piece cut off into a table top design board.
Thanks! This was a super helpful video!!

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Thanks for sharing your ideas and tips on ways to improve it. I'm glad that our video was useful!

[@tooky94]

@@OnWilliamsStreet I wish now that I hadn't covered it in so much tape on the face of the board. Sticking pins in it is a bit of a drag. Oh well! It's still a great tool!

[@ritajohnson1095]

Thank you for this how to video. This is very helpful as my sewing room has limited wall space. Thank you.

[@dianeboettcher5775]

Love this idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@sandan2358]

Neat idea, thanks for sharing.

[@lorihuntley836]

Thanks and welcome to St. George.

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Thanks! 😃

[@jaaziel9]

Thanks!! Excellent tutorial. I will try it....

[@JudyGoldthorp]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

You are so welcome!

[@chrislittebrant5235]

Thank you for sharing this video. I really could use this and I like that you can easily put is under the bed.. Thanks again👏☺️

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Yes! Having tools that are easy to store make things so much nicer.

[@dianabarker3815]

Great idea!

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Thanks!

[@jamiesweeney4834]

did it with my mom with a quarter cup Nopales cactus a day, did not cure her but regulated it a lot better

[@4kassis]

wouldn't it be better to put the fabric on the silver side so all that text does not show?

[@geretyl]

I'd put some batting between the foamboard and the flannel. That writing showing through would be distracting to some.

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Such a great idea, thank you for sharing!

[@MrsWorleybird]

Is there a reason not to have the words on the board go on the backside so that they don’t show thru the flannel?

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Nope. I didn't realize how much it showed through when first making it. If I redid it I would make sure to put the fabric on the shiny side.

[@sharonworley372]

@@OnWilliamsStreet great! This is such a good idea, thanks!!

[@tooky94]

I was inspired by your video and made my design wall over the weekend. I really appreciate the advice to make it only 6 feet by 4 feet and to get the 1” thick board.
I made three adaptations:
1- I wrapped packing tape around all of the edges to reduce the wear on the fragile edges.
2- I used a fiber-enhanced tape as the hinge, and I also used that tape to make the styrofoam stronger. I made two horizontal and two vertical tape lines on the design side.
3- I took an old knife, heat it in a flame and sliced that styrofoam like butter. No rough edges!!
I washed my flannel in HOT HOT water and over dried it on super heat in the dryer so it would finish SHRINKING!
Finally, I made the 2x4 foot piece cut off into a table top design board.
Thanks! This was a super helpful video!!

[@LottieSue]

Will Home Depo or Lowes cut the foam like they cut other things for people? You didn't say what kind of fabric, was it flannel or some kind of batting?

[@vwatts8738]

She said it was flannel at the beginning of the video. Happy quilting!😊

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

I'm not sure, I've never asked.

[@pollyclements1817]

You can see the typing on the board face through the fabric! :(

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Yep! We realized it after filming and would definitely cover the silver side of the board next time.

[@brendalockard1677]

Today’s prices are much higher.

[@OnWilliamsStreet]

Unfortunately that happens!