There was a time that I realized that I needed somewhere to lay out my quilts so I could look at them and “edit” them easily. Especially since I really seem to like doing the whole “random” patterns.

This was especially true when I started doing the Quilted Wall Hangings for Christmas presents. 2″ squares. Lots of 2″ squares. In a “random” pattern. I really should have known what I was getting myself into.

So I created my own design board.

So here’s the great thing about having a design board. The fabric pieces stick without needles!

Anyone who has worked with either flannel or felt realizes that EVERYTHING sticks to it. It’s great material but it can be pretty annoying. Here, I used the annoying qualities of flannel to my advantage because I WANT things to stick to it.

Because you can go from non-random patterns…

…To really awesomely random patterns. Plus the pieces will stay up there and you don’t have to worry about moving your pieces and losing your pattern, or worry as much if the breeze hits your small pieces. Some of the pieces might fall if a wind catches them just right but for the most part it works pretty darn well.

So how do you go about making one? Here’s what you need:

Start by laying out your foam core and cutting it to the proper sizes. Depending on where you’re putting it, you might have to piece it together.

When I pieced it together first on the good side (the one without the giant stickers) I used masking tape to hold the seams together. I then flipped it over and started with the glue gun.

I glued in the cracks and then tried to smooth it down with my finger. Yeah that kinda hurt but I got used to it, if you let it sit a second or two it won’t be as hot. I then covered those spots in more masking tape to help hold it together.

At this point I got a little too into the project and didn’t take pictures, but I’ll explain what happened next.

It seemed pretty sturdy at this point but I wanted to make sure that it would hold up as well as make it harder for me to start making holes in my closet door with pins, so I spray glued some poster board to the back. That made it extra sturdy!

I then gave the front side a light spraying of glue and spread some batting over the top. I just wanted to give myself more options to stick pins into and the batting is a little easier to stick pins into than foam core.

Finally, stretch the flannel or felt over the board and secure in the back with either the glue gun, duct tape, or both! I used both. You want to make sure its snug and smooth, much like you would upholster a chair.

It turned out so awesome. I use it every single time I make a quilt. Sometimes the quilt I’m making is too big for the board so that gets a little annoying, BUT its much better than the alternative of taking up floor space and stepping all over my pieces.

Then hang it. I had to make loops of yarn and glue/tape them to the back of the board so I could hang it on hooks. It actually is good that I did that since, if needed, I could move the board and store it somewhere. I haven’t had to but I like that my option is there.

I have a feeling that when we finally move into our “perfect” house that has my “perfect” sewing/craft room that I’ll have an entire wall dedicated to a design board. I don’t know what our perfect place is, but I know we’ll find something eventually.