Friday, November 7, 2014

Pointers For Using A Quilt Design Wall

By Christa Jarvis


You may never have heard of this tool, but a wall for quilting design can be a great asset in a work area. It allows you to try out a range of colors, patterns and fabrics before committing to them for a quilt. The guide to follow has a number of tips to help you in using a quilt design wall.

The great thing about this a design wall is that it allows you to quickly work out the effects of different patterns and colors in combination. In the past, many quilters used a floor to place fabrics together. This has its drawbacks because it is hard to get a visual grasp of the whole picture. Quilters might have to stand on a chair in order to get the height needed for a good view.

Alternatively, a design wall allows you to stick your quilt blocks to a surface that is very visually accessible. Standing back is all you have to do to get a better overall view of your plans. One of the most appealing aspects of this tool is that it allows you to work with many different fabrics at once.

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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