How Should I Hang My Quilt?

Much depends on where you are hanging the quilt and for how long a period of time. For a short term exhibition: sew a 4" wide casing at the top book edge of the quilt just under the edge of the binding. Allow a slight amount of ease in the casing and sew the bottom edge to the quilt. This casing will be used to support the quilt for temporary handing on an exhibition rod.

For longer exhibitions you may wish to add a second narrower width casing at the bottom edge of the quilt and place a lightweight flat rod into this casing to allow the quilt to hang flat and avoid bowing of the fabric which will occur if the quilt is a long length or large size.

Another hanging method is to sew Velcro to the top edge of the quilt, using the loop (fuzzy) side. For ease of stitching, sew the Velcro to a strip of white fabric and sew the fabric to the quilt. Glue the matching length teeth side of the Velcro to a flat narrow wooden rod. You can attach eye hooks to the ends of the wooden rod or drill holes 1/4" in from each end of the rod. Secure the rod to the wall with nails through the eye hooks or the predrilled holes. Press the two pieces of Velcro together to hang the quilt.

For permanent mounting use a professional framer and ask them to cover an archival foam core board with fabric. The quilt is then stitched to the board across the surface which will support the weight of the quilt. The stitches are not noticed on the surface of the quilt. The board will then be attached to wooden frame boards and fitted with appropriate hanging wire.

For a touring exhibition baste a washed piece of cotton muslin to cover the whole back of the quilt. Attach the casing to this muslin. This covering protects the back of the quilt.

Prepared by Yvonne Porcella, fiber artist and author, 8/00.

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