Traditional Ways of Hanging & Displaying Quilts

Sleeve Method

• In the sleeve method, a rod or wooden dowel is inserted into a sleeve attached to the back of the quilt. The sleeve is created by sewing a double layer of clean fabric, such as unbleached muslin, to the top edge of the quilt back. The sleeve is sewn through all three quilt layers for a secure attachment. Once the sewing is complete, the quilt can be hung by nails or small brackets which hold up the ends of the rod or dowel.

Velcro Method

• To hang a quilt using this method, Velcro is attached to a wooden board that is just a little shorter in length than the top of the quilt. The other side of the Velcro is then attached to a clean cotton strip, approximately three inches wide, which is in turn sewn across the top of the quilt back. Again, it's important to sew through all three layers of the quilt.

Mounting Method

• This is considered the safest, most protective method for hanging a quilt, although it is more time-consuming. In this method, a washed piece of cotton cloth is stretched over a wooden framework and secured with rust-free staples. This is something like an artists' canvas in construction. The framework should be slightly larger than the quilt. The quilt is then securely attached to the "canvas" by hand-sewing zigzag patterns that run parallel throughout the entire quilt.

Some Don'ts

• Again, never hang a quilt in direct sunlight, as this will fade the fabric. It's also important to display quilts in smoke-free environments or the fabric will absorb the smoke's odor. Never use metal curtain hangers to hang a quilt as the weight of the fabric can cause the quilt to tear. Never tack, nail, staple or pin a quilt directly to a wall. Lastly, quilts that are hung should be taken down and rested periodically due to stress that results from hanging over time.