Tips On Using A Quilt Design Wall

By Christa Jarvis


You might not have heard of walls for designing quilts but in fact they are a highly useful and attractive feature for sewers. This unique accessory makes it possible to see how fabrics will work together in advance of finishing a quilt. Simply sticking patterns and fabric samples to the wall will give you a preview of the finished product. This guide has a range of pointers for using a quilt design wall in your work space.

This unique addition to a work space can help you to work out how colors and patterns work together. The old method of using a floor can be difficult as it is not always easy to get a good view of fabrics. You may find yourself standing on a chair in order to get a good vantage point.

As an alternative, the design wall allows you to stick fabrics too it to get an immediate idea of the visual effect. Simply taking a few steps back allows you to view the overall harmonies of colors and patterns. Large design walls are great for working with many different fabrics at the same time and still keeping an eye on the overall visual appeal.

After all, part of the function of a quilt is to bring together a variety of colors. This is an area where the design wall really comes into its own. You can place several colors together, adding and removing until you find the right combination of harmonious hues.

Starting small is a good idea if you have a limited budget and need to conserve your fabric investment. There are lots of ways to do this. One option is to begin with a few small swatches of fabric just to get a sense of how they work visually.

Another trick is to create a miniature block a fraction of the size you are planning for the finished product. This allows you to conserve fabric which is important particularly if it is expensive. A mini block is a quick way to get an idea of how the fabrics will work together.

The great thing is that a miniature block does not have to go to waste either. Over time, you may accrue a number of mini blocks which can be sewn together to create a miniature quilt. Alternatively, you might use them in home furnishings such as cushions.

Other uses for design walls for quilting are to work out how fabrics will intermingle in terms of patterns. Pattern is just as important as color in this art form and it can be tricky to know how to use several fabrics together. For instance, strips, florals and dot patterns might seem to busy in combination but with some practice it is possible to integrate even these patterns smoothly. For more tips, including how to make design walls, you can find lots of useful advice online via quilting websites and blogs. As well, check out the range of magazines which focus on the subject. Thankfully, today it is easier than ever to get tips on this creative pastime thanks to the Internet which brings those with shared passions together.




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