In preparation for starting the Mercantile sew-along, I watched Lori Holt's YouTube video on making the first block and what fabrics and other supplies she recommended for the project. One thing that she relies heavily upon are small design boards that are sold on Fat Quarter Shop. They retail for $17.98 each. Lori was using 25 of them. If you were to buy 25 of them for $17.98, you would be spending $449.50.
Let that sink in a moment.
What is a design board? It is a 10-inch square covered in batting that is a great tool for organizing your block pieces during construction. It helps the sewer from getting confused and sewing things the wrong way around. You arrange your block pieces on the board and carry them over to your sewing machine and stitch away. I have used them in the past, and think they are a useful tool. I have one. Lori preps all her blocks ahead of time, arranges the pieces for each block on a design board, then stacks the boards for easy transportation and organization.
Luckily, she must realize that the average quilter is not going to invest in dozens of these boards no matter how handy it would be to have several (or more) on hand. She has made both a video tutorial and a step-by-step blog post going into great detail on how to make these boards yourself at a fraction of the cost.
I thought I would like to have more than just my one design board and thought I would dive in and see if I could make some for myself. I bought the boards (a material called foam core, sold at craft stores, stores that sell school supplies, and on Amazon). I bought a package of 10 11 x 14" foam core boards for $35.
Other supplies I needed and had on hand were:
rotary cutter with old blade
jelly roll strips
leftover batting scraps
glue gun
I did trim my design boards down to 11 x 11" using an older rotary cutter. Lori shows you how to do it and it's a cinch. I had a jelly roll I knew I'd never use for anything else and pressed it according to Lori's instructions. After prepping the jelly roll strips, I glued a piece of batting to the top of the board, trimming it to fit. Then I glued the fabric strip all around the edges of the design board, to give it a finished appearance.
Unfortunately, my glue gun is a piece of junk. That is where I ran into trouble. I know there is a learning curve to gluing the strips around the edges of the board, but my crummy glue gun really made a mess of things. The glue got everywhere. I sure hope it comes off the elbow of my sweater…I only finished two boards before I gave up and ordered a new glue gun.
My first two attempts are kind of pathetic (the corners are particularly tricky), but they will do the job. And with practice and a new glue gun, I hope the next eight will turn out better!
Have you used design boards when constructing quilt blocks? Have you ever tried to make one for yourself?
75 responses to “Making Design Boards”
I love this idea! I’ve seen Lori use the boards but never thought I’d need one. You are an enabler!
I love this idea! I’ve seen Lori use the boards but never thought I’d need one. You are an enabler!
I love this idea! I’ve seen Lori use the boards but never thought I’d need one. You are an enabler!
My quilt guild just had a class on this. Let me give you a better idea. Buy a roll of wide and pretty duct tape. Do everything you did up to using the jelky roll. Instead, put the tape around the edges. It works so much better than fabric and glue.
My quilt guild just had a class on this. Let me give you a better idea. Buy a roll of wide and pretty duct tape. Do everything you did up to using the jelky roll. Instead, put the tape around the edges. It works so much better than fabric and glue.
My quilt guild just had a class on this. Let me give you a better idea. Buy a roll of wide and pretty duct tape. Do everything you did up to using the jelky roll. Instead, put the tape around the edges. It works so much better than fabric and glue.
Use decorative duct tape instead. Much easier and quicker.
Use decorative duct tape instead. Much easier and quicker.
Use decorative duct tape instead. Much easier and quicker.
I have made several differently sized design boards using Lori’s method. (I even got one as a gift from a quilty friend!) I don’t use them often, but they are useful for sampler blocks especially when each square is a different design. You will love having them!
I have made several differently sized design boards using Lori’s method. (I even got one as a gift from a quilty friend!) I don’t use them often, but they are useful for sampler blocks especially when each square is a different design. You will love having them!
I have made several differently sized design boards using Lori’s method. (I even got one as a gift from a quilty friend!) I don’t use them often, but they are useful for sampler blocks especially when each square is a different design. You will love having them!
Good idea to use a pretty duct tape! Saves fabric and I can see it would be so much easier, I can’t even remember where my glue gun is 🤭
Good idea to use a pretty duct tape! Saves fabric and I can see it would be so much easier, I can’t even remember where my glue gun is 🤭
Good idea to use a pretty duct tape! Saves fabric and I can see it would be so much easier, I can’t even remember where my glue gun is 🤭
I love and make Lori’s patterns. I made ONE board and didn’t enjoy the process. My go to is Dollar Tree! I bought the large core board and place all my cut pieces on it. The pieces are labeled. Then I bought a lot of drain boards. They have a lip on three sides and a ridged bottom. I go to the master core and choose and lay out pieced for each block. They stack nicely and are economical. Everything used to be $1 but they are now $1.25. I also buy boxes of 2.5 gallon zip bags to hold uncut fabric for that project What is nice is I need to clear my sewing space the drain boards stack and then place on top of large core board and can only make one trip to carry in another room.
I love and make Lori’s patterns. I made ONE board and didn’t enjoy the process. My go to is Dollar Tree! I bought the large core board and place all my cut pieces on it. The pieces are labeled. Then I bought a lot of drain boards. They have a lip on three sides and a ridged bottom. I go to the master core and choose and lay out pieced for each block. They stack nicely and are economical. Everything used to be $1 but they are now $1.25. I also buy boxes of 2.5 gallon zip bags to hold uncut fabric for that project What is nice is I need to clear my sewing space the drain boards stack and then place on top of large core board and can only make one trip to carry in another room.
I love and make Lori’s patterns. I made ONE board and didn’t enjoy the process. My go to is Dollar Tree! I bought the large core board and place all my cut pieces on it. The pieces are labeled. Then I bought a lot of drain boards. They have a lip on three sides and a ridged bottom. I go to the master core and choose and lay out pieced for each block. They stack nicely and are economical. Everything used to be $1 but they are now $1.25. I also buy boxes of 2.5 gallon zip bags to hold uncut fabric for that project What is nice is I need to clear my sewing space the drain boards stack and then place on top of large core board and can only make one trip to carry in another room.
Again, back to the dollar store…my friends buy cookie sheets. They stack inside each other, hold everything in place (put a large rubber band around the whole stack), and they can be transported easily inside a tote bag when heading to a retreat.
Again, back to the dollar store…my friends buy cookie sheets. They stack inside each other, hold everything in place (put a large rubber band around the whole stack), and they can be transported easily inside a tote bag when heading to a retreat.
Again, back to the dollar store…my friends buy cookie sheets. They stack inside each other, hold everything in place (put a large rubber band around the whole stack), and they can be transported easily inside a tote bag when heading to a retreat.
Long before the Lori Holt boards were available to buy or her tutorial was out, I saw another tutorial for similar boards but without the finished edge. I made several, just batting glued to foam core with spray-on adhesive then cut at the edge. The edges don’t look as attractive but the boards function just fine and quick to make. I’ve also bought several from Fat Quarter Shop and they are very handy.
Long before the Lori Holt boards were available to buy or her tutorial was out, I saw another tutorial for similar boards but without the finished edge. I made several, just batting glued to foam core with spray-on adhesive then cut at the edge. The edges don’t look as attractive but the boards function just fine and quick to make. I’ve also bought several from Fat Quarter Shop and they are very handy.
Long before the Lori Holt boards were available to buy or her tutorial was out, I saw another tutorial for similar boards but without the finished edge. I made several, just batting glued to foam core with spray-on adhesive then cut at the edge. The edges don’t look as attractive but the boards function just fine and quick to make. I’ve also bought several from Fat Quarter Shop and they are very handy.
Our fiber arts group recently had a make-and-take program, so everyone had a chance to assemble a design board. The bonus was that the presenter brought all of the materials except the binding which we made at home ahead of the meeting. She was also there to guide us & that made a huge difference! They’re too simple to make to even consider paying $17.98 for just one!!!! I like the duct tape idea, too!
Our fiber arts group recently had a make-and-take program, so everyone had a chance to assemble a design board. The bonus was that the presenter brought all of the materials except the binding which we made at home ahead of the meeting. She was also there to guide us & that made a huge difference! They’re too simple to make to even consider paying $17.98 for just one!!!! I like the duct tape idea, too!
Our fiber arts group recently had a make-and-take program, so everyone had a chance to assemble a design board. The bonus was that the presenter brought all of the materials except the binding which we made at home ahead of the meeting. She was also there to guide us & that made a huge difference! They’re too simple to make to even consider paying $17.98 for just one!!!! I like the duct tape idea, too!
I have design boards in various sizes. The most useful ones are about the size yours are—unless you are doing a bigger block. One quilt in particular that I made was saved because of my design board. I would never have kept things straight without it. They’re also great for when you don’t have time to sit down and complete a block in one stint.
I have design boards in various sizes. The most useful ones are about the size yours are—unless you are doing a bigger block. One quilt in particular that I made was saved because of my design board. I would never have kept things straight without it. They’re also great for when you don’t have time to sit down and complete a block in one stint.
I have design boards in various sizes. The most useful ones are about the size yours are—unless you are doing a bigger block. One quilt in particular that I made was saved because of my design board. I would never have kept things straight without it. They’re also great for when you don’t have time to sit down and complete a block in one stint.
I made several sizes of these boards and use them all the time. They definitely keep my blocks organized for sewing in the correct order. I use the decorative duct tape method and it works quite well. I also get my foam boards at the Dollar Tree and save more money. I even made a couple of small ones (really small) that I use as a thread catcher – works great.
I made several sizes of these boards and use them all the time. They definitely keep my blocks organized for sewing in the correct order. I use the decorative duct tape method and it works quite well. I also get my foam boards at the Dollar Tree and save more money. I even made a couple of small ones (really small) that I use as a thread catcher – works great.
I made several sizes of these boards and use them all the time. They definitely keep my blocks organized for sewing in the correct order. I use the decorative duct tape method and it works quite well. I also get my foam boards at the Dollar Tree and save more money. I even made a couple of small ones (really small) that I use as a thread catcher – works great.
I have made the boards. I made some larger for bigger blocks. You use a lot of hot glue. I like the idea of tape. Genious!
The last time I needed some to fit into a container. I bought acid free chipboard sheets and spray glued batting onto them. They stack well. Much thinner. I did not finish the edges because they are contained. Plus you get 25 for around $15.
Enjoy.
I have made the boards. I made some larger for bigger blocks. You use a lot of hot glue. I like the idea of tape. Genious!
The last time I needed some to fit into a container. I bought acid free chipboard sheets and spray glued batting onto them. They stack well. Much thinner. I did not finish the edges because they are contained. Plus you get 25 for around $15.
Enjoy.
I have made the boards. I made some larger for bigger blocks. You use a lot of hot glue. I like the idea of tape. Genious!
The last time I needed some to fit into a container. I bought acid free chipboard sheets and spray glued batting onto them. They stack well. Much thinner. I did not finish the edges because they are contained. Plus you get 25 for around $15.
Enjoy.
I really like using these boards and they are very light weight. I have made several of these and bought a large one of Lori Holt’s at 70% off at a quilt shop. Her finished product looked way better than mine as I had trouble with the gluing as well. I like the duct tape idea!
I really like using these boards and they are very light weight. I have made several of these and bought a large one of Lori Holt’s at 70% off at a quilt shop. Her finished product looked way better than mine as I had trouble with the gluing as well. I like the duct tape idea!
I really like using these boards and they are very light weight. I have made several of these and bought a large one of Lori Holt’s at 70% off at a quilt shop. Her finished product looked way better than mine as I had trouble with the gluing as well. I like the duct tape idea!
A few years ago a friend told me about this method.
You buy a plastic tablecloth with the flannel backing and cut it into 12 inch squares. You put your blocks on the flannel side then when you stack the next on on top the vinyl side keeps them from sticking to it. You use a 12 x 12 inch scrap booking container to stack them in.. You can fit a least 20 squares in the container. Works great, although I think they are making the tablecloths with less and less flannel on the back now a days.
A few years ago a friend told me about this method.
You buy a plastic tablecloth with the flannel backing and cut it into 12 inch squares. You put your blocks on the flannel side then when you stack the next on on top the vinyl side keeps them from sticking to it. You use a 12 x 12 inch scrap booking container to stack them in.. You can fit a least 20 squares in the container. Works great, although I think they are making the tablecloths with less and less flannel on the back now a days.
A few years ago a friend told me about this method.
You buy a plastic tablecloth with the flannel backing and cut it into 12 inch squares. You put your blocks on the flannel side then when you stack the next on on top the vinyl side keeps them from sticking to it. You use a 12 x 12 inch scrap booking container to stack them in.. You can fit a least 20 squares in the container. Works great, although I think they are making the tablecloths with less and less flannel on the back now a days.
I have made several different sizes and use them often. A good glue gun will help with gluing the strips around the edges.
I have made several different sizes and use them often. A good glue gun will help with gluing the strips around the edges.
I have made several different sizes and use them often. A good glue gun will help with gluing the strips around the edges.
Over Christmas we had a lot of packaging with sheets of polystyrene. I kept the larger ones and a couple of chunkier small ones. So far the largest one was cut in half and I put batting on there with it sealed at the back with duct tape. It works really well and I’ve used it for great granny squares. Not had time to do the others yet, but really happy even if it isn’t a work of art on the back side!
Over Christmas we had a lot of packaging with sheets of polystyrene. I kept the larger ones and a couple of chunkier small ones. So far the largest one was cut in half and I put batting on there with it sealed at the back with duct tape. It works really well and I’ve used it for great granny squares. Not had time to do the others yet, but really happy even if it isn’t a work of art on the back side!
Over Christmas we had a lot of packaging with sheets of polystyrene. I kept the larger ones and a couple of chunkier small ones. So far the largest one was cut in half and I put batting on there with it sealed at the back with duct tape. It works really well and I’ve used it for great granny squares. Not had time to do the others yet, but really happy even if it isn’t a work of art on the back side!
JoAnn Fabrics sells Art Boards in packs of 3 in different sizes. They are thin boards with cotton fabric tightly glued on. I cut iron on batting slightly smaller than the board and just iron it on. Works for me.
JoAnn Fabrics sells Art Boards in packs of 3 in different sizes. They are thin boards with cotton fabric tightly glued on. I cut iron on batting slightly smaller than the board and just iron it on. Works for me.
JoAnn Fabrics sells Art Boards in packs of 3 in different sizes. They are thin boards with cotton fabric tightly glued on. I cut iron on batting slightly smaller than the board and just iron it on. Works for me.
I have made a board but like you Nicole experienced trouble with the glue gun. Thanks everyone for the suggestion of the duct tape!
Would Washi tape work?
I have made a board but like you Nicole experienced trouble with the glue gun. Thanks everyone for the suggestion of the duct tape!
Would Washi tape work?
I have made a board but like you Nicole experienced trouble with the glue gun. Thanks everyone for the suggestion of the duct tape!
Would Washi tape work?
I found cardboard trays from Amazon. I got 12 trays for about $10. They are perfect for laying out blocks and moving partial blocks from sewing area to ironing board.
I found cardboard trays from Amazon. I got 12 trays for about $10. They are perfect for laying out blocks and moving partial blocks from sewing area to ironing board.
I found cardboard trays from Amazon. I got 12 trays for about $10. They are perfect for laying out blocks and moving partial blocks from sewing area to ironing board.
All of the above suggestions sound wonderful. Before I quilted, I was heavily into scrapbooking. Found that the stiffer 12 X 12 papers worked really well for me, organizing a block’s worth of cut pieces. They stack up nice and thinly, and I already had a TON of those papers!
All of the above suggestions sound wonderful. Before I quilted, I was heavily into scrapbooking. Found that the stiffer 12 X 12 papers worked really well for me, organizing a block’s worth of cut pieces. They stack up nice and thinly, and I already had a TON of those papers!
All of the above suggestions sound wonderful. Before I quilted, I was heavily into scrapbooking. Found that the stiffer 12 X 12 papers worked really well for me, organizing a block’s worth of cut pieces. They stack up nice and thinly, and I already had a TON of those papers!
I made several with old cardboard boxes I cut to size and batting scraps plus Washi tape on the edges which eliminated any gluing! Easy peasy!!
I made several with old cardboard boxes I cut to size and batting scraps plus Washi tape on the edges which eliminated any gluing! Easy peasy!!
I made several with old cardboard boxes I cut to size and batting scraps plus Washi tape on the edges which eliminated any gluing! Easy peasy!!
So many good ideas folks! In the past I have used a stack of paper plates with one for the pieces for each block. This worked well for when all the blocks were the same so I could just grab a plate as a leader/ender. It is smart for Lori to offer the board ready made and a video for DIY. She is such a clever merchandiser.
So many good ideas folks! In the past I have used a stack of paper plates with one for the pieces for each block. This worked well for when all the blocks were the same so I could just grab a plate as a leader/ender. It is smart for Lori to offer the board ready made and a video for DIY. She is such a clever merchandiser.
So many good ideas folks! In the past I have used a stack of paper plates with one for the pieces for each block. This worked well for when all the blocks were the same so I could just grab a plate as a leader/ender. It is smart for Lori to offer the board ready made and a video for DIY. She is such a clever merchandiser.
I made these years ago using double nap flannel instead of batting. I sewed them I like a square pillow case and put the foam core inside them. I can’t remember how I closed the open end. I think I turned the edges to the inside and sewed them shut. The flannel stayed much nicer than batting. Also, since these had NO colored trim, they could be laid edge to edge and were solid white.
I made these years ago using double nap flannel instead of batting. I sewed them I like a square pillow case and put the foam core inside them. I can’t remember how I closed the open end. I think I turned the edges to the inside and sewed them shut. The flannel stayed much nicer than batting. Also, since these had NO colored trim, they could be laid edge to edge and were solid white.
I made these years ago using double nap flannel instead of batting. I sewed them I like a square pillow case and put the foam core inside them. I can’t remember how I closed the open end. I think I turned the edges to the inside and sewed them shut. The flannel stayed much nicer than batting. Also, since these had NO colored trim, they could be laid edge to edge and were solid white.
Long ago I make about 6 out of a big piece of foam core I got at Hobby Lobby – it was the size of a poster board. I just glued batting on one side and called it done. Who needs binding on a ‘design board’. Think I just used Elmer’s glue. Why make life more difficult than it needs to be.
Long ago I make about 6 out of a big piece of foam core I got at Hobby Lobby – it was the size of a poster board. I just glued batting on one side and called it done. Who needs binding on a ‘design board’. Think I just used Elmer’s glue. Why make life more difficult than it needs to be.
Long ago I make about 6 out of a big piece of foam core I got at Hobby Lobby – it was the size of a poster board. I just glued batting on one side and called it done. Who needs binding on a ‘design board’. Think I just used Elmer’s glue. Why make life more difficult than it needs to be.
I used foam core, sprayed it with adhesive, covered it in white flannel, turned the extra flannel to the back, then used duct tape to tape the to the back. I have something like 12-15 of them, all made this way, and they work great!
I used foam core, sprayed it with adhesive, covered it in white flannel, turned the extra flannel to the back, then used duct tape to tape the to the back. I have something like 12-15 of them, all made this way, and they work great!
I used foam core, sprayed it with adhesive, covered it in white flannel, turned the extra flannel to the back, then used duct tape to tape the to the back. I have something like 12-15 of them, all made this way, and they work great!