5 Fun Ways To Hang Your Favorite Quilt
If you have a quilt laying around, whether it's an heirloom or a trendy new one, you should consider giving it a dedicated display area. Quilts are a type of blanket or fabric constructed of multiple layers and patches and were traditionally (and even modernly) made of scrap pieces of fabric in order to repurpose them when resources were scarce, per Home School in the Woods.
Quilters take great pride in their pieces due to the multiple hours it takes to construct the beautiful blanket. Whether you're a dedicated craftsman or just happen to have your hands on a beautiful quilt, don't leave it tucked away with all of your other blankets — consider displaying it in your home. Quilts make wonderful additions to the decor in your home if you know how to properly and creatively display them. Plus, they add an entirely unique, personal touch. Keep reading for ideas on how to hang and display your quilts.
1. Frame your quilt
One great way to display a quilt in your home in a unique but still classic way is to frame it like you would a picture or photograph. This method works particularly well for quilts that are older or that you may only have a piece or scrap of, or at least one you don't mind cutting into. This is because you'll need to cut it to the size of your desired frame.
For this method, Suzy Quilts says you'll need a frame and your quilt, obviously, as well as double-sided tape and a clean cloth. You'll need nails and a hammer for hanging the frame, too. Some antique stores sell scraps of quilts, in which case you won't need to do any cutting at all. However, if you do, use sharp, good-quality fabric scissors. You won't have to worry much about fraying since it will be neatly tucked away in a frame. Add a piece of tape at the top and bottom on the back of your quilt and stick it into place on the frame's backing board. Assemble the frame and give it a dusting before hanging it.
2. Sew on a hanging sleeve
One of the more popular and traditional methods for hanging quilts is to sew on a hanging sleeve, which is essentially a shallow sleeve on the back similar to those found on curtains. From there, you can use either a wooden dowel or curtain rod to mount the quilt to your walls, per MadamSew.
Since it will be hidden in the back, you can use pretty much any fabric to create your sleeve. As for sizing, it should be as long as the quilt, and your sleeve should be deep enough to fit your hanging tool. The length won't need any seam allowance, but the depth should be twice the size it will be when completed since it will be folded in half. There should also be a 1/2 inch seam allowance.
Begin by folding your fabric with the pattern facing inward and the wrong ends touching lengthwise. Sew a seam down the length of the fabric using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Grab an iron and open up the seam, using the iron to press it down flat. Then, cuff the ends of your piece of fabric once to cover the hem, and again, press it with an iron. Stitch everything in place, and you'll be left with a long, hollow sleeve. From there, simply sew the sleeve onto your quilt and hang it with a rod on the wall.
3. Quilt ladder
Another very popular way to display quilts is with a quilt ladder or rack. These allow you to drape your quilt over the rungs to display them while being able to easily grab them when needed. You can find these very easily at most antique and vintage stores, but they may be a little on the pricier side.
Instead, if you have some time and wood on your hands, consider making your own quilt ladder. According to GlueSticks, this project requires two pieces of 6-inch-long 2x4s, four pieces of 18-inch-long 1x4s, wood screws, a miter saw, tape measurer, and either wood stain or paint. Begin by cutting down your wood to the above dimensions, or going to your local hardware store and asking them to cut it for you. Then, space out where you want the rungs (1x4s) to go, installing them at a slight angle to better display your blankets. Once everything is in place, consider sawing off a small piece of the top of the ladder so it sits flatter against the wall, although this isn't necessary. Finally, stain or paint the ladder to your liking, and when it's dry, display your quilts.
4. Clothespins and adhesive strips
If you don't want to bust out the power tools or sewing machine to simply hang your quilt, then consider a less permanent but still effective method using clothespins and adhesive strips. This method is super easy, cost-efficient, and renter-friendly, and, as Patchwork & Poodles points out, allows you to change your quilts as desired without damaging or altering them. It also adds a nice, rustic look.
Begin by assembling all your materials — you'll need clothespins, of course, as well as an adhesive strip like Command Strips that are the width of your pins, a level, and some rubbing alcohol. Opt for a heavy-duty adhesive strip, like the velcro picture hanging ones, as they'll better support the weight of your quilt. Determine where you want the quilt on your wall, and mark it out with a pencil. Then, clean your walls with rubbing alcohol — this will allow the strips to stick better. Assemble at least four clothespins by sticking the adhesive strip to them and firmly pressing them into the wall for at least 30 seconds. Let them sit for an hour or two and then clip on your quilt.
5. Drape on chair or couch
Finally, if you want a much simpler way to display your quilts while still having them in arm's reach, consider just draping them over your couch, armchairs, etc. They'll add decorative value while still being functional, as well as save you a lot of time and money compared to the other methods.
There's no right or wrong way to drape a quilt, but there are a few particularly foolproof methods. Per The Design Edit, one simple and classic way is to fold it into thirds lengthwise, creating a nice long strip that you can neatly drape over the back of your couch or chair. You can also fold it this way and tuck it neatly over the arm of your couch, letting it drape down to the ground. For an incredibly cozy, antique look, consider folding it once lengthwise and draping your quilt over the entire back of your couch.