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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Duct Tape......Who Knew!!!!/Design Wall Tutorial

Well, all you handymen, of course.....but was I listening, well frankly, NO.  I'm now officially a Duct Tape convert.

I've been putting off making this design wall forever.Why you may or may not ask....how hard can it be?? Well the answer is, there are two ways to do everything...the hard way and the easy way. I've made design walls before and trust me, I took the hard way. I came up with yesterday's floppy design wall because I wanted to avoid making the whole covered insulation type. But oh how I love a firm design wall versus a floppy one....alright take your minds out of the gutter. 

The reason I hated making this type of design wall, was that I actually tried gluing the batting to the insulation board with a glue gun....things melted...well dah!! My next approach was the staple gun, it got the job done, but a real pain to do.

Did doing the things the hard way end there.....well, what do you think? After covering these lovely insulation boards, they must be mounted....I thought sticky tape Velcro, maybe not. After stapling Velcro to the walls...to the boards and my fingers, the design wall was done and is still hanging...but not fun.

So after arranging and rearranging my West Coast Studio, in order to incorporate a design wall I was still trying to avoid the task of actually making one....a FIRM one, that you can stick pins in.....to combat that open window thing.


Last night I decided to bite the bullet and made plans to go to Home Depot. Just as I was about to leave,  Sandie emailed and reminded me of her fabulous tutorial on design walls. Rereading her tutorial got me thinking and reminded me of a few other tips I had read, since my earlier design wall fiasco. Believe it or not, I actually enjoyed making my wall this afternoon and I still have enough energy, left over, to share what worked for me.
I bought a package of six insulation boards, 3/4" x 14 1/2" x 48". The larger boards with the tongue and groove edges in Sandie's tutorial, were nowhere insight...so I went with I had used before. 
Supplies:
505 Temporary Fabric Adhesive
Insulation Boards
Duct Tape
Command  Picture Hanging Strips
Level
Batting
 
Cut strips of batting large enough to wrap around the edges of the boards. I wrap each board individually.
Spray some of the fabric adhesive onto the batting....this is really helpful for getting the batting on nice and smooth. 
 
Smooth the batting onto the board. 
Turn the board with the attached batting over and clip the the corners. 
Turn the edges of the batting to the other side of the board....this is where you will really appreciate the adhesive. Here I'm thankful to Sandie for mentioning the use of adhesive, in the first place. 
And here comes the use of the magical Duct Tape!! Just tape the edges of the batting down with Duct Tape. I don't remember where I read this tip, but it is fabulous. 
 
 Another fabulous tip, that I read somewhere else, in blog land is...Command Picture Hanging Strips. They work like a charm. If I find my boards on the floor in the morning, I'll let you know.....maybe I should check if everything is still hanging.

 Note: Attach the command strips as in the photo....half on the tape and the other on the board. This is how I attach mine and haven't had any fall of the wall yet (Sept 2/2013).
Using a level, draw a line, on the wall, where you want the top of your design wall to be. 
 Then just keep mounting as many boards as you need. I mounted four and covered the remaining two boards, from the package and left them free standing, for small projects. To me a firm empty design wall reminds me of a canvas just waiting for someone to create on. The wonky ones just don't do it for me.

Strange...considering how much I love wonky quilts.


74 comments:

  1. My husband has been after me to improve the look of my flannel-backed table cloth turned to the front and pinned to the wall situation because it's visible from the front door. I am really liking the looks of this! Thank you!

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  2. Looks great, if only there was a wall space available I would make one too.

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  3. Brilliant - now if only I had a wall large enough to do this on in my workroom, that was far enough away to step back and admire the placement/progress of a quilt .... I can only dream - DH any chance I can take over the garage?

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  4. I agree, brillant. I don't have walls where I sew, just a wall of windows. But, I can see making them with henges so I could fold them and store them when I'm not using them. Thanks for a great idea.

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  5. This looks wonderful! Very neat and professional looking. Thanks for sharing your method.

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  6. Looks great! I may have to take the pins out of the batting on my wall and make an actual design board! Thanks for the show and tell.

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  7. I want to run out and buy the supplies right now!

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  8. Now that's a professional looking wall. Thanks for the how to - my floppy needs firming up

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  9. Great job! I'd love a wall big enough for that...

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  10. I am sooo glad to have helped in some small measure!!!! It is very nice to have ideas thrown around in blogland!! I love your boards!! Good Job!! Hugs- Sandie

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  11. Oh I'm so excited! I'm headed to Home depot this weekend to pick up all the supplies to do this. Thanks for the show and tell!

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  12. I have used these velcro command hooks to hang my design wall. It wont fall down and can be moved to a different spot easily. Im sure you will love this!

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  13. Loved looking over your project - I've got similar design wall in my sewing room, from floor to ceiling, but I used foam core sheets and felt. I call it the world's biggest pincushion!

    D McLeod
    www.whimziequiltz.com

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  14. Thank you thank you thank you for this post and the great pics! I now know what I'm looking for when I go to Home Depot!

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  15. Love, love the way this looks! Thank you for posting this!

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  16. I just added two of these panels to my breakfast nook turned sewing room (best use of space ever!!!) - I plan on adding one more. Horizontal worked better for my space. It was so easy - Thank you for the inspiration!

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    Replies
    1. I followed the directions to a T. I was able
      to put up 7 panels. It looked wonderful.
      It only lasted two day and it fell down.
      The duct tape did not stay on the form board.
      Not sure what to do now. I hate to purchase
      more tap and it not work again. Does anyone have any suggestions?

      Delete
    2. That's not good. I've put up so many of these and never had one fall down yet. Did all the panels fall down?? Did you use the command strips? What sort of wall did you put them on? I know lots of questions, I'm just trying to figure out what went wrong.

      Delete
    3. I read somewhere about using a staple gun and stapling the batting or felt on in addition to the duct tape.

      Delete
  17. The simplest things get a quilter, but this is so mind free doing that even I can do this!!
    Thanks for sharing. Who Knew?

    Carli

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  18. This is GREAT! I've been waiting for my nephew to deliver larger pieces of insulation so that I could create a design wall because I can't fit them into my car but this size should and will work nicely - thanks so much!

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  19. Thank you for taking the time to publish this design wall. I am in the process of finishing the basement for a sewing room. The drywall is done. As soon as I figure out what to do with the concrete floor I will be well on my way to making a design wall. Love the command strips idea. I didn't want to put holes in my new drywall. The best part is ...I can do it myself!
    Thanks for sharing!

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad it was helpful......enjoy your new space.

      Delete
  20. I now have an 8x8 design wall! I cut each of two 4x8x1 sheets into three sections and the Command strips are holding up the 5x5 sections beautifully. My current project, a queen-size bed quilt, help push me to get this done.
    Couldn't have accomplished this without your tutorial. And it looks so neat! Many thanks!

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  21. I have mine hanging by plastic rings sewn on the back and picture hooks but I like your adhesive strips idea better. I used T-pins to fasten my batting.

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  22. Heehee. This is going to be the perfect gift for my quilting friend who has everything including a flannel backed tablecloth for her design wall! Might have to make one for her and one for me!

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  23. I made two of these last night and they both fell off the wall. I put the Command Strips on the duct tape and I think the weight of the board pulled the duct tape off. Has anyone tried putting the Command Strips directly on the insulation board instead of the duct tape? That is what I think may work

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  24. Oh...that's not good. I have put up so many of these and not had a single one fall down. I put the strips so that half the strip is on the tape and the other half on the insulation board, I wonder if that makes the difference. I will make note of that on the tutorial. So sorry that happened.

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  25. I'm getting ready to make my design wall! I don't have enough batting to do all of it so I need to get more. Was wondering if you think the batting does a nicer job than flannel? And did you use large Command Strips? Thank you for this great tutorial. I can't wait to put mine up.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Teresa, I've only used batting or black felt. The felt looks fabulous but fabric doesn't stick all that well to it. As for the size command strips I used the medium size....four per panel. But when attaching be sure to cover some of the tape and some of the board as in photo in the tutorial.

      I'm sure flannel works...I just like the weight of the batting.

      Enjoy your new design wall.

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    2. This is the best tip I have seen in along time.
      Thanks

      Delete
  26. I moved the Command Strips and attached them directly to the insulation board. One week later and they are still up. Yea! I think next time I will use clear tape (not silver duct) to join boards together . The duct tape showed through the batting - even with two layers. I don't personally care but some people might.

    Thanks bunches for the tutorial. I just finished a remodeling project (built a quilt studio in my basement) and saved a wall just for this purpose. It's perfect!

    Monica

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    Replies
    1. I didn't join my boards together so no tape shows, but good point if you do. Sounds wonderful...once you have a design wall you never want to be without one again.

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    2. I didn't join my boards together so no tape shows, but good point if you do. Sounds wonderful...once you have a design wall you never want to be without one again.

      Delete
  27. Wow! Great tutorial! Yesterday I learned about using C-Clamps for quilting on a tabletop and today your design board idea. Good-bye tablecloth!! Perfect timing. I'm off to Home Depot or Lowe's for C-Clamps AND supplies for the Design Board. Thanks.

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  28. Looks like I have a weekend project ;-). Thanks for sharing!

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  29. Outstanding instructions. Thanks very much for taking the time to post this.

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  30. I'm very excited about making a quilt wall. It's been beneficial to read everyone's comments and to learn what works better. Thank you.

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  31. Hello everyone,
    For the folk who have no wall for a design wall, could you hang the panels from the back (or front ) of a door? or maybe coerce a friend or S.O. to make light weight frames with hinges and castors that can be folded up when not in use?
    Cheers, Rieann

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  32. I'm wondering what kind of batting you used? The kind I have is rather stretchy and may sag. Yours looks quilted. We're soon going to be making my design wall and your idea is fabulous, if I can find the right batting.

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  33. What a great tutorial! My design wall is up and looks wonderful! The only minor problem is that we glued insulation boards together end to end using wood glue and the glue line shows yellow through the batting. I'd use clear or white glue if I were to do it again. Now I can't wait to get busy sewing and fill it up with patchwork! *doing a happy little dance* Thank you!

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  34. Great tutorial! I have always just designed on the floor but recent back problems have made this impossible. I thought I wanted a retractable wall but this is sooo much better. I can't wait to get started. Thanks again!

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  35. I like the valuable info you provide in your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.

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  36. Great tute...you can't have enough design wall space, and I have one right beside my sewing machine (a small one on the wall) that helps keep me organized when sewing tricky/complex blocks. I used black batting for my design walls. I like the cleaner look, and it makes the colours pop.

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  37. Hi great blog and ideas. Thanks for taking the time to share.
    I used unbleached cotton batting on my wall. I have found that it adheres well. I love it. I also spray baste my quilts on it.
    Robyn
    raswee@icloud.com

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  38. Love this. What type of batting do you suggest? Cotton, fiberfill, bamboo,low loft, high loft?

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    Replies
    1. The batting I like to use is Warm and Natural......it's all cotton and fairly low loft.

      Delete
  39. Hi. I just made my first panel! It's awesome and as light as a feather. I have a presentation on Thursday about the different layouts of the log cabin pattern! This will be great to transport to the meeting. By the way I found white "Duck" tape. It's great. Thank you so much for this awesome tutorial!

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  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  41. Hi, I really enjoyed reading your tutorial. Great pics and explanations. In my old house I used an old flannel sheet I bought at a thrift store hanging from the wall in my small "crafty" area in the basement. However, now that my boyfriend and I are building a beautiful new house with a studio all for me with two walls of windows I intend to improve the look of my design wall and this will be perfect. Thank you!

    I do intend to continue to use the flannel sheet. It works really well.

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    ReplyDelete
  43. Thank you so much for your tutorial! I used the same foam board as you and tried using duct tape to hold batting on to the back. Unfortunately, the duct tape wouldn't adhere well and came off of the wall (because part of the command strip was on the tape). I just wanted to let you know that I reattached the batting to the back of the boards with rubber cement. Once dry, it worked perfectly!

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  44. Just completed these - great project!

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  45. I made a four-panel design wall in 2014 by following your directions exactly as written. Thought you might like to know that it all worked perfectly! I've used it constantly for two years now and it still looks like new. While cleaning my attic a few days ago, I found another package of 6 panels, so I decided to make another wall just like the first one. Thanks so much for posting your great idea!

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    Replies
    1. One can never have enough design walls that's for sure. I'm so glad it was helpful.

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  46. This is my project for this weekend. Thank you for the instructions. I have been putting this off as I wasn't sure just how to get started and 'finished'!!!

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  47. Thank you so much for this tutorial. I had great results, found the supplies at Menards and made a two panel design wall for my small craft room and with the remaining four, I made another one and hung it on a wall in our unfinished basement. I was thrilled with the polished end results. The Warm and Natural really makes fabric stick. Thank you for sharing!

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  48. I am in the process of making a quilting for my daughter and came across your design wall idea and all the comments. I will be going to HOME depot soon to pick up the supplies to get started. Can you say about how much batting was used to cover the 4 boards. Thanks in advance.

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    1. Unknown, I'm sorry I just noticed your comment now. I have never done the calculation because I buy my batting by the roll and always have plenty on hand. also it would depend on the width of batting that you buy.

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  49. I am anxious to put Hubby to work on this. Can I use this wall to spray baste my quilt sandwich??

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    1. Unknown, I have never used the wall for spray basting but I imagine you could.

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  50. I did basically the same thing, but used 2 different sheets of insulation. I used the white, like you used for the layer under my flannel (you used batting) and a smooth denser pink board on the back. I did glue them together with Liquid Nails which comes in a tube & you need a dispenser to squirt it on. One whole tube used. I put the denser pink insulation on the back for a surface I could used to pin to, if I block my quilt after soaking it. The white side is much easier to pin into if you want to use pins. Fabric does stick, but sometimes I need to use pins. I used Gorilla tape instead of Duct tape. I did cut off about a foot from the long side of each board, so it will fit thru my doorway.

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  51. I followed the instructions exactly and it fell off my wall in days. First the command hooks failed. I fixed that and then the duct tape failed.

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    Replies
    1. Jldenn
      I’m sorry to hear it didn’t work for you....I use this method all the time. One friend had a problem because the paint on her wall was too glossy, that could be a possibility. That could be remedied by washing the walls with TSP or something similar. I also use the several command strips per panel and I put the command strip on so that it covers the edge of the duct tape. I use about ten strips per panel.

      Delete
  52. Hi - Doesn't the fabric adhesive make your pins gum up when using them to pin things on the wall?

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    1. Hi SpiritDancer
      No it doesn’t because the the 505 spray that I use is actually a basting spray that can be used for basting quilts. So it doesn’t gum up at all.

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Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I try to respond to all of your wonderful comments....if you are not getting any response from me it's because you are set up as a no-reply blogger. In order to receive a response you can change your status in your blogger profile. I'm no longer accepting anonymous comments.

Thanks again for all your wonderful comments
Marianne