How to Sew Wall Tapestries

Tapestry has been a favorite wall decoration for many centuries, especially in the old countries of Europe. Recently, however, Americans have also begun to rediscover the beauty of tapestry wall art. While it is true that some types of tapestry can be purchased through interior design sources, that isn’t the only resource available. Many fabric stores now routinely carry tapestry fabrics that are suitable for framing, to be hung directly on the wall, or to be hung by a tapestry bar. While, in the traditional sense, tapestry refers to a specific type of woven fabric, the word has been altered to encompass virtually any type of decorative wall pieces; no matter the type of material. This new definition opens up a realm of possibilities for the discerning art lover. Today, many fabrics feature stunning pictorials of antique designs like toile to jungle or ocean themes to angels and much more. Most are perfect for sewing into wall tapestries. Read on to learn how to sew wall tapestries.

Things You'll Need

• Tapestry fabric
• Needle and thread and/or sewing machine
• Stiff back lining
• Padding material
• Fabric lining
• Fabric glue
• Tapestry bar
• Frame
• Tacks or staples

Instructions

1. Decide what type and size of tapestry is desired. Type refers to not only the style (such as old world, jungle, ocean or other designs) of tapestry desired, but also the kind of fabric desired and the way the tapestry will be mounted. Size is important because it may force elimination of certain types of fabrics, which might be too large or excessively small.

2. Decide whether the tapestry will be hand sew or machine sewn. This decision may be based somewhat upon the fabric chosen for the tapestry, whether or not it will feature trim, as well as the size of the piece and the way it will ultimately be mounted.

3. Purchase the supplies needed to complete the project. Depending upon the weight of the fabric chosen, it may also be necessary to back the fabric with a stiff backing or to add padding to it in order for the piece to hang straight and butt flatly up against the wall. If the tapestry is to be hung from a tapestry bar, backed with a stiff material, or padded it is important to make all of the purchases to complete those processes at the same time. Don’t forget trim if that is to be part of the overall design.

4. Lay out all of the supplies needed to complete the project before beginning. If anything has been forgotten, now is the time to fill in the gaps.

5. Hand or machine sew the two sides and bottom of a traditional fabric tapestry that requires no additional backing or padding. Be sure to turn the rough edge of the fabric to the inside portion of the fold so that it is no longer visible. Traditional pre-woven tapestries generally allow for about a ½ inch hem around three edges of the tapestry. More room is allotted at the top of the piece in case a tapestry bar should be used for mounting purposes. If that is the plan, then fold the top back making a pocket in the tapestry that is just large enough to house the tapestry bar. Sew the pocket into place, folding the rough edge inside the pocket. If the tapestry will be framed or hung directly on the wall, then finish the top using the exact same method as used for the sides and bottom.

6. Add a stiff backing fabric to a tapestry piece that is not stiff enough to hang well on its own. When such backing is required , it should be cut to the exact size of the overall piece. Place the backing to the wrong size of the tapestry fabric. Fold the backing into the folds that finish off the sides and top of the tapestry as described in Step 5 above. Be sure to pull the lining tight so that it does not bunch or wrinkle the pictorial side of the piece. If the tapestry will be hung on a tapestry bar, be sure that the top fold back is large enough to hold the bar. If it will be framed or hung directly on the wall, then finish the top using the same method as the sides and bottom.

7. Use fiberboard to back a tapestry piece that is not stiff enough to hang well on its own. Cut the board backing to fit the finished piece. In other words, it should fit the tapestry after all of the rough edges have been sewn as described in the Step 5 above. However, keep in mind that the backing board cannot be part of the top pocket if the piece is going to be held by a tapestry bar. Instead, the top seam of the fold should hit about ¼ inch to ½ inch above the backing board. If the tapestry will be hung directly on the wall, then the backing board should be the same size as the tapestry itself. Adhere the board to the tapestry with fabric glue, tacks or staples.

8. Pad a fabric tapestry that is not stiff enough to hang well on its own. Place the padding to the right side of the tapestry fabric and then place the lining fabric on top of that. Sew the sides and bottom of the piece before turning the lining inside out at the open top. Finish the top as described in Step 5 above if the piece is to be hung by a tapestry bar. If the padded piece will be framed or hung directly on the wall, then finish off the top by folding all of the rough edges inside the lining and sewing the top shut with a hand sewn blind running stitch. If desired, place a line of hand sewn or machine stitches around the outside of the piece to assure that it will lay flat as desired.

9. 

   Add decorative trim like ribbon or braiding around the edges of the tapestry if desired.

10. Mount the piece as desired--on a tapestry bar, in a frame or directly on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Quilts, used alone or in conjunction with photographs, make interesting and personalized wall tapestries.

• Consider hand quilting a tapestry piece to give it dimension.

• Purchase pre-made tapestries and give them a personalized spin by adding to them, quilting them or trimming them.

• Add a protective coating like Scotch Guard to a tapestry to help prevent staining.

• Measure carefully the top pocket of a tapestry before sewing. If the measurements are off and the pocket will not hold the tapestry bar, it could cost you extra money to purchase a new bar or time to redo the top pocket.