A handmade quilt is an attractive work of art and a unique wall decor that is infused with the personality of whomever created it. Each section of fabric is carefully chosen, cut by hand, and stitched into place to form a beautiful cover or wall hanging. It is important to properly hang the finished piece, not only to highlight the design in the best way possible, but also to keep it from becoming damaged. Before you hang a new quilt or even an old one that was lovingly hand-stitched decades ago, consider the following steps. Once you hang your quilt it will continue looking as impressive as ever for many years to come.
Select a Desirable Location
It is vital to select a good location before displaying the quilt. Steer clear of locations that receive a lot of sun or even potentially damaging artificial light. Light bulbs can become very hot and damage material, even from several inches away. In addition, do not hang a quilt over a source of heat or in an area with high humidity. As a rule, if the temperature and humidity level feels comfortable, it is more than likely an ideal location to hang fabric items.
Temperature, sunlight, and humidity are not the only conditions requiring constant control. Avoid hanging a quilt or tapestries within reach of small children. Little hands can soil the fabric and cause permanent staining. Hang it out of reach of children and pets, and select a desirable location to keep it in superior condition and looking as good as the day it was completed.
Choose a Frame
Unlike a pair of decorative wall candle sconces that need a simple nail or screw to be successfully mounted on the wall, hanging a quilt takes greater consideration and planning.
One of the best ways to hang a quilt involves framing the finished piece. Contact a professional framer, and be adamant about using archival foam core that is covered with a backing of fabric. The framer will squarely stitch the fabric to the board and finish the job with an attractive wooden frame. You won’t be able to see the stitching when hanging the work of art, and it will look just as attractive as ever. This is one of the best ways to hang heavy fabric, but it is not the least expensive. Attractive and safe methods exist, and they can be accomplished without help from a professional.
Think about sewing a sturdy sleeve to the back edge of the quilt, and then hang it on a drapery rod. To keep the heavy fabric stable, a sleeve can also be sewn to the opposite end, and a drapery rod can be used to secure it along the bottom. The sleeves will not be visible from the front, and if sewn straight it will look as nice as professional framing.
Another good way to hang a quilt is with Velcro strips. Attach the rough looped side of the Velcro to the top and bottom edge of the back of the quilt. Utilize a level, a yardstick and a pencil to make a horizontal line on the wall where the quilt will be hung. Attach the soft side of the Velcro along the edge of the line and the quilt will look straight when displayed. The next step is to attach another Velcro strip to the bottom of the quilt and then follow the same method of application. Take your time and attach the Velcro carefully and the quilt will hang straight and look outstanding.
Select an Attractive Rod for Hanging
If you go for a sleeve to hang the quilt with, it will become necessary to select one or two drapery rods. When choosing the type of rod, take into consideration the style of the quilt. A drapery rod with regally crafted finials is ideal for hanging an elegant quilt. A rod with wrought iron finials is ideal for antique or old fashioned quilts. The options for drapery rods are endless, and the rod style you choose greatly depends on the look you want to achieve.
Mounting the Hardware
Once you have chosen drapery rods, the next step involves hanging the hardware. Before mounting the first bracket, locate a wall stud and use wall anchors to attach the other. Also, mark the locations for the brackets using a pencil, a tape measure, and a level. This will ensure that the quilt will be hung straight and that the appropriate amount of space is left between brackets. Follow the same process when securing bottom brackets before preparing to hang the quilt.
Hanging Tips
If you have decided to hang the quilt with drapery rods, once all of the brackets are in place, lay the quilt on a clean surface such as a bed or a table, and carefully thread the top rod through the sleeve. With a little assistance from an extra pair of hands, hang the quilt. It will be easy to thread the second rod through the bottom sleeve and hang it on the brackets.
Although a quilt looks attractive when displayed on a bed, displaying the quilt on the wall allows the design to be seen easily. Centering a quilt on a bare wall, no matter the method of hanging, is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the design and the talent that went into making a finely stitched work of art. Once you hang a quilt on a wall you will always want to have one on display.
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