Displaying and Hanging A Quilt
with Flair and Imagination

Often people with a passion for collecting or making quilts end up with closets and drawers full of these beautiful objects. Because they are unsure of the proper procedure for hanging a quilt or they aren't quite sure of interesting ways of displaying them, the quilts often never see the light of day.

Quilts resting on a wooden chest

If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful quilt you would love to hang, here is the correct way of hanging it.

  1. Cut a piece of fabric 4 1/2" wide and 2 inches shorter than the width of your quilt. 
  2. Fold right sides together and sew a tube using a 1/2" seam.
  3. Turn right side out and press. 
  4. Hand sew to the back of your quilt at the top. 
  5. You now have a sleeve to put a rod through. 
  6. I have found that making the tube provides a more stable sleeve than by merely just turning under a 1/2" seam on a single piece of fabric.

Hanging a quilt in a permanent spot

You can purchase decorative drapery rods for hanging a quilt. This way you can change the quilts often and display more of them. 

Now you are ready to hang your quilt anywhere.

If you plan on hanging a quilt permanently, you can put a wooden 1x2 board through the sleeve. If you are going to use this method, you may want to cut your sleeve 5" before making the tube to allow a little play for the board. You can then nail or screw the board to the wall in a permanent position

When you choose a spot for hanging a quilt, be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. Because this is made of fabric, the sun will fade the quilt and also hasten the deterioration of the fabric.

A quilt draped over a rocking chair

Displaying quilts

When it comes to displaying vintage quilts, there are many other interesting ways to do this.

It's not just a piece of fabric; it's a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. You can almost imagine the hands that lovingly pieced together each patch, the stories they whispered as they worked. It's like holding a time capsule in your hands, ready to be unveiled to the world.

Now, you are faced with a new challenge: finding the perfect spot to showcase this treasure.

The placement of the quilt is crucial, as it will determine not only how it is seen but also how it harmonizes with the overall aesthetic of the room.

To ensure that its beauty shines through, exploring different placement options becomes essential. By considering factors such as lighting, wall space, and furniture arrangement, you can uncover the ideal location that will bring this vintage quilt to life.

But how can you display this masterpiece without risking its delicate nature? There are many interesting ways to display quilts that not only protect their fragile fabric but also add a touch of charm to your space.

  • One option is to purchase an old cupboard or armoire and display the quilts on the shelves. Be sure to fold them with acid-free paper in the folds to prevent any damage. You can also re-fold them occasionally to keep the folds from setting into the quilts.
  • Another idea is to drape the quilts over a rocking chair and place some old rag dolls alongside them. This creates a nostalgic and inviting display.
  • If you have a collection of quilts, consider filling an old trunk or suitcase with them. Arrange them in a pleasing manner, allowing them to spill out of the trunk for a whimsical touch.
  • For quilts that are not too valuable, you can even use them as tablecloths on end tables. To protect them, cover them with a glass top.
  • If you have damaged quilts that are not valuable, don't despair. You can salvage the usable pieces and frame them or create a collage of quilt pieces. This transforms the damaged quilt into a unique piece of art.
  • Mini quilts or salvaged quilt pieces can be used as coverlets for antique cradles, adding a touch of vintage charm to a nursery or bedroom.
  • Intact segments of a larger quilt can be repurposed into pillows or cushions. This not only showcases the quilt's beautiful patterns but also adds comfort to your seating areas.
  • Lastly, if you have multiple quilts, consider hanging them over the rungs of a quilt ladder. This allows you to display more than one quilt and adds a rustic touch to your space.

By exploring these various ways of displaying quilts, you can bring out the true beauty of your collection and enjoy them every day. Don't keep these wonderful works of art hidden away in a drawer or closet. Let them shine and be admired by all.

Author's Resource Box:

Gloria Daniels has worked in many areas of the home decorating field and has been helping clients decorate their homes creatively for over 20 years. 


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