How to Make a Quilt Hanger

Securely attach the quilt hanger to the wall.

Displaying a quilt properly protects the quilt while showcasing the best part of its design. Famous quilts such as the Gee's Bend quilts shown in museums are displayed on quilt hangers. A well constructed quilt hanger will provide quilts with a dependable frame on which their weight will be supported rather than strained. Quilts, like most fabrics, are vulnerable to moisture, direct sunlight and dust. Where the quilt is hung is equally important, because the sturdiness of the frame ensures the best protection and durability of the quilt.

Things You'll Need

• 100 percent quilting cotton thread
• 1 yard 100% white cotton
• Quilting needle
• Quilting pins
• Hammer
• 2-inch nails
• 2 1/2-inch nail anchors
• 1 1-1/2-inch cherry wood pole, 3 inches longer than width of quilt
• 1 small sheet fine grid sandpaper
• 1 1-3/4-inch adjustable curtain rod bracket
• Iron
• Ironing board

Instructions

Prepare the Quilt

1. Wash the cotton fabric and tumble dry in low heat. Iron the fabric.

2. Measure the width of the quilt on the side to be hung. Cut the cotton fabric 2 inches tall by the width of the quilt.

3. Fold 1/2 inch on the top and bottom of the cotton and iron, making two creases. These will be the seams facing down.

4. Place the cotton, iron seam part down, on the back of the quilt. Pin in place.

5. Carefully hand-sew the cotton backing to the back of the quilt. Do not sew the sides; the quilt rod will go through them.

Make the Quilt Hanger

1. Buy a wooden pole 1-1/2 inches thick and as wide and long as the quilt, adding 3 inches. Sand the pole.

2. Measure the wall on which you will place the quilt. Mark places for the nails with a pencil.

3. Hammer the nails first. Remove the nails. Insert the nail anchors.

4. Place the curtain rod over the nail anchors and insert the nails securely.

5. Slide the wooden pole through the back of the quilt like a curtain rod. Hang securely on the curtain brackets.

Tips & Warnings

• When buying the wooden pole, ask the hardware store to saw it to the length you need.

• Avoid hanging antique or delicate quilts. These should be mounted on a frame to best support them, or be displayed on a quilt rack.

References

• The Quilts of Gee's Bend: Collective History
• Amateur Woodworker: Quilt Hanger