How to Hang an Antique Quilt

A way to add a personal touch to your home decor is to hang an antique quilt. If you have a family heirloom you wish to display, you want to ensure that it will look attractive without damaging the quilt. Taking the proper steps to hang your quilt will prevent it from undue stress, which over time can stretch and even tear the material. The steps below outline what you need to do in order to safely display your antique quilt.

Things You'll Need

• Muslin or other durable cloth
• Needle
• Thread
• Wooden dowel or curtain rod
• Mounting brackets

Instructions

1. Cut a 4-inch-wide strip of muslin or other durable cloth that equals the length of your antique quilt.

2. Turn the short ends of the muslin under by 5/8 inch, and hem.

3. Place the top edge of the long muslin strip 1 inch below the top edge of the back of the quilt, and pin in place.

4. Sew the long edges of the muslin to the back of your quilt to create a sleeve for your dowel rod. Use a basting stitch so you can easily remove the muslin in case you decide to display your quilt differently in the future.

5. Slide your wooden dowel or curtain rod through the muslin sleeve. The rod should be 2 to 4 inches longer than the width of your quilt.

6. Hang your mounting brackets, and insert the rod into the brackets.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you measure the width of your quilt before you purchase your wooden dowel or curtain rod.

• To prevent stress on your quilt, it should be taken down periodically. If you have other quilts, you can rotate them so a different one is always on display.

• Do not hang your quilt in direct sunlight. This will cause your antique quilt to fade.