Beginners Class/Hanging Sleeve

Quilting "How-To" Class

Stitch an Easy Hanging Sleeve by Arnold Savage

Let viewers notice your quilt, not telltale signs of the hanging rod.

Want a simple method for hanging a sleeve that allows a supporting rod to pass easily without any visible bulge from the rod on the front of the quilt? Then try my favorite method. The secret is to add a bit of extra fullness to the sleeve by folding in a narrow pleat. It allows the sleeve rather than the quilt to accommodate the diameter of the rod. This, in turn, creates a smoother line on the front.

I usually stitch the binding on my quilts before trimming the quilt top, batting and backing. However, when I wish to add a hanging sleeve, I trim all three layers along the top edge of the quilt before binding it..

Cut a wide strip of muslin or other sleeve fabric slightly shorter than the finished width of the quilt. The width of the muslin strip is determined by the size of the rod or dowel you'll use, but most exhibitions require a sleeve at least 4" wide. This means cutting a strip 6" wide allowing an extra 2" for seams and added fullness. Press the short ends 1/4" to the wrong side and edge stitch to finish them. Then place the strip on the top edge of the quilt back, wrong side down and raw edges aligned. Pin it in place, as shown.

Now stitch the binding to the quilt in the usual way, stitching through the binding plus four layers along the top edge (quilt top, batting, backing and sleeve). Remove the pins as your sew.

Diagram 2

Trim the remaining edges of the quilt, turn the binding to the back and blindstitch it, as shown. The top edge of the sleeve is now stitched securely to the binding.

Diagram 3

Lift the hanging sleeve and fold it back down keeping the folded edge even with the quilt top. Finger press along the folded edge, as shown.

Diagram 4

Fold the bottom edge of the sleeve under 1/2" and blindstitch to the backing fabric. Your quilt is ready to hang for display!

Diagram 5

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