How to Sew a Rod Pocket to Hang a Tapestry

Measure the width of the tapestry at its top edge. Use pencil or chalk to mark the center point of the tapestry on the back side of the fabric.

To create the pocket, cut an 8-inch wide strip of canvas--or other sturdy fabric--to the same length as the tapestry at its top edge. For example, if the tapestry is 36-inches wide at the top edge, the fabric strip should measure 8 inches by 36 inches.

Fold one short end--the 8-inch side--of the pocket material over twice. Iron it to keep it in place. Stitch it to form a 1/2-inch finished hem either by hand or on your sewing machine. Repeat on the other end.

Fold over 1/2-inch of fabric along the long end of your pocket material. Press it into place. Use your sewing machine to sew the 1/2-inch seam in place. Repeat along the other long side.

Mark a line across the back of the tapestry 1 1/2 inches from the top edge. This line marks the top position of the rod.

Turn the finished edge of the pocket over 3/4 inch along the long side, steam and press. Repeat on the other long edge. Fold the pocket material in half and mark the center point. Open one folded edge and place it against the back of the tapestry so that the front side of the pocket is touching the back side of the tapestry. Line up the edge of the pocket with the line you marked on the back of the tapestry. Line up the center points of each material. Pin in place.

Hand stitch along the pocket crease. Make sure you catch the tapestry lining and two or three tapestry threads in each stitch. This minimizes pull on the lining and keeps the tapestry from sagging. Work carefully, and make your stitches as invisible as possible on the front of the tapestry.

Place the rod along the line of stitching. Fold the pocket fabric down with the finished edge turned under. Pull the pocket fabric taut over the rod. Mark the tapestry where the bottom of the pocket will be attached.

Remove the rod and pin the pocket in place. Whip-stitch the pocket bottom to the tapestry. Steam the front of the tapestry, and iron it to help hide the stitches. Insert the rod through the pocket to hang the tapestry.