How to Make a Quilted Wall Hanging Pocket

Wall hangings are smaller versions of quilts that are used as art objects. Hanging a quilted wall hanging is a simple procedure that requires the addition of a hanging pocket or sleeve to the back of the wall hanging. There are several methods that may be used to make a hanging pocket. The following will give instruction for the simplest form. Some hand sewing is required to attach the pocket to the quilted wall hanging, but this will result in a hidden hanging pocket rather than one that is visible when displayed.

Things You'll Need

• Finished quilted wall hanging
• Pins
• Scissors
• Rotary mat and cutter
• 6 x 24-inch rotary ruler
• 1/4 to 1/2 yard of fabric for pocket
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Size-10 sharps hand sewing needles
• Iron and ironing board

Instructions

1. Cut a 5 1/2-inch strip from your fabric using your rotary equipment. Measure the width of the upper edge of your wall hanging and trim the fabric to 1 inch more than the measurement.

2. Fold the short ends of your fabric strip in a quarter-inch and iron. Fold the ends in again a quarter-inch and iron. Pin the folds in place. Using your sewing machine, sew down the length of the short ends to secure the folds.

3. Lay your fabric strip out flat and smooth. Measure 1 1/2-inches down from the raw edge of the long edge of the strip and make a mark on the fabric. Repeat every 6 inches down the length of the strip. Connect the marks by drawing a line. Fold the fabric along the line and iron.

4. Measure 1 1/2-inches from the marked line on your fabric and make a second set of marks down the length of the strip. Connect the marks by drawing a line. Fold the fabric along the new line and iron.

5. Fold the strip in half lengthwise and sew a 1/4-inch seam down the length of the raw edge of the strip. Iron the seam to one side.

6. Sew the pocket to the back of the wall hanging below the binding by hand. Use the pressed folds as sewing guides and keep the seam toward the quilt back.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fabric that matches your binding to help hide any fabric that may accidentally show at the top. If you wish to use a single hook to hang your quilt, make two shorter pockets and leave the center section free for hanging. A dowel or 1 x 2-inch board will be inserted into the pocket for hanging. If necessary, cut two strips of fabric and sew them together to get a strip long enough to work with.

• Close your rotary cutter when not actively cutting, and keep it out of the reach of children.

References

• "Quilter's Complete Guide" Marianne Fons and Liz Porter 1993