A hand-made quilt is a beautiful work of art and a unique wall decor infused with the personality of its creator. Each section of fabric is carefully chosen, cut by hand, and stitched into place to form a beautiful cover or wall hanging. It is important to properly hang the finished piece, not only to highlight the design in the best way possible, but also to keep it from becoming damaged. Before you hang a new quilt or even an old one that was lovingly hand-stitched decades ago, consider the following steps. After you have hung the quilt, it will be nice looking for many years into the future.

Location is Important

It is important to choose an ideal location before hanging. Steer clear of locations that receive direct sunlight or even potentially damaging artificial light. Even from just a few inches away, lightbulbs can become extremely hot and cause damage to the material. In addition, do not hang a quilt over a source of heat or in an area with high humidity. As a rule, if the temperature and humidity level feels comfortable, it is more than likely an ideal location to hang fabric items.

Temperature, sunlight, and humidity are not the only conditions requiring constant control. If small children are present, do not hang a quilt or tapestries within reach. Little hands can inadvertently soil the fabric and cause permanent stains. Hang it out of reach of children and pets, and select a desirable location to keep it in superior condition and looking as good as the day it was completed.

Select a Frame

Unlike a pair of decorative wall candle sconces that need a simple nail or screw to be successfully mounted on the wall, hanging a quilt takes greater consideration and planning.

One of the best ways to hang a quilt involves framing the finished piece. Consult a professional framer, and insist on an archival foam core covered with fabric as a backing. The framer will squarely stitch the fabric to the board and finish the job with an attractive wooden frame. You will not be able to see the stitching when displaying the work of art, and it will look just as beautiful as ever. This is one of the best ways to hang heavy fabric, but it is not the least expensive. Attractive and safe methods exist, and they can be accomplished without help from an expert.

Think about sewing a durable sleeve to the back edge of the quilt, and then display it on a drapery rod. To keep the heavy fabric stable, a sleeve can also be sewn to the opposite end, and a drapery rod can be used to secure it along the bottom. The sleeves will not be visible from the front, and if sewn straight it will look as nice as professional framing.

Another good way to hang a quilt is with Velcro strips. Attach the rough looped side of the Velcro to the top and bottom edge of the back of the quilt. Use a yardstick, a level, and a pencil to create a horizontal line on the wall. Attach the soft side of the Velcro along the edge of the line and the quilt will look straight when displayed. Next attach another Velcro strip to the quilt's bottom and then follow the same method of application. Take your time and attach the Velcro carefully and the quilt will hang straight and look outstanding.

Choose an Attractive Rod for Hanging

If you choose a sleeve to hang the quilt with, it will be necessary to select one or two drapery rods. Consider the style of the quilt when selecting a rod to hang it on. A drapery rod with elegantly crafted finials is perfect for hanging an elegant quilt. A quilt with old-fashioned flair would look lovely on rod with wrought iron finials. There are endless of options for drapery rods, and the style that you choose depends on the look you are wishing to attain.

Hardware Mounts

After selecting drapery rods, the next step is mounting the hardware. Before mounting the first bracket, locate a wall stud and use wall anchors to attach the other. Also, mark the locations for the brackets using a pencil, a tape measure, and a level. This will ensure the quilt will hang straight and with the right amount of space between brackets. Follow the same process when securing bottom brackets before preparing to hang the quilt.

Hanging Tips

If you have decided to hang the quilt with drapery rods, once all of the brackets are in place, lay the quilt on a clean surface such as a bed or a table, and carefully thread the top rod through the sleeve. With a little assistance from an extra pair of hands, hang the quilt. It will be easy to thread the second rod through the bottom sleeve and hang it on the brackets.

When placed on a bed a quilt looks lovely, but when hung on a wall, the complete design is easier to see. Centering a quilt on a bare wall, no matter the method of hanging, is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the design and the talent that went into making a finely stitched work of art. Once you hang a quilt on a wall you will always want to have one on display.