Quilt shows require a 4" hanging sleeve. But just stitching any 4" wide piece of fabric on the back is not the best hanging sleeve. Instead, I'm going to show you how to make a hanging sleeve that protects the back of the quilt, and provides a pocket for the rod.
Hanging Sleeve Preparation
Measure the width of the quilt, then cut or make a 9" wide strip of fabric that is approximately 1" shorter than the quilt width. On each 9" end, press over 1/2", and stitch. This provides a nice edge for the rod to slip into.
Fold the strip in half lengthwise, with the raw edges of the stitched ends on the inside. Press the fold (seen in the picture above). Open up the strip, and fold each edge toward the center fold, still with the raw edges of the stitched ends on the inside. Press.
Refold the hanging sleeve on the center fold. Stitch the long edges together with a 1/4" seam allowance, with the seam on the finished side of the previously finished ends. I know that's not what's pictured, but that's the way I do it now.
And why, you ask? Having the seam on the outside makes for a more finished interior pocket, and less for the hanging bar to get caught on.
Do one more careful press of each fold on the sides, and the hanging sleeve is now ready to go on the quilt.
Attaching the hanging sleeve
Center the hanging sleeve along the width of the quilt back, and pin the top fold at least 1/4" below the binding.
That way, when the rod is in the pocket, the excess fabric won't peek up over the top of the quilt. Wouldn't want the hanging sleeve spoiling the view of a beautiful quilt!
Stitch down this top edge, by hand. Don't cheat on the stitches. The hanging sleeve takes a lot of the quilt weight.
Then pin the bottom edge along it's fold, so that the back of the hanging sleeve lies flat against the quilt, and excess hanging sleeve fabric puffs up on the front.
Continue stitching the bottom edge, and also the hanging sleeve sides. That way, the rod goes in the pocket and not against the back of the quilt.
Now there's plenty of space for the rod, the quilt back is protected, and the hanging sleeve can't be seen. Nice!
Enjoy putting on your next hanging sleeve to show off your quilt!
Happy Quilting!
Share this with your quilt friends!
I find that even when I try to be careful when pressing the central seam down, I lose the creases on the sides. What works for me is to baste those creases before ironing. They are easily pulled out when I am finished sewing the sleeve onto the quilt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the tutorial! I have never tried to put a sleeve on my quilts (they are not good for shows just yet ;)) but I will save this information for the future!
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