How to Create a Quilting Wall to Display Your Quilts

Everything You Need to Know About Quilting on the Wall

Quilting is usually done on a frame or table, but did you know you can quilt right on your wall? Quilting wall hangings gives you the opportunity to showcase your stitching in a decorative way. In this article, I’ll cover all the different options and techniques for quilting on the wall.

Should You Quilt on the Wall?

Quilting on the wall offers some benefits over a traditional quilt. For one, wall hangings don’t require batting and backing, so they’re lighter and less bulky. This makes them a great choice for small spaces or warm climates. Displaying your quilting on the wall is also a unique way to decorate.

However, wall quilts do have some drawbacks. They can’t be washed in the machine like a regular quilt. Dirt and dust might accumulate over time too. Wall space may also be limited. So weigh whether wall quilting is practical for your needs and decorating style.

Preparing the Fabric

The first step is selecting your wall hanging fabric. Consider lightweight cottons or linens that won’t be too heavy when hung. Cut your pieces larger than the final size to allow for shrinking and shifting as you quilt. Use a sturdy interfacing on the backsides for stability.

Attaching It to the Wall

There are a few options for mounting your quilted wall hanging:

1. Sew on loops of fabric or ribbon along the top edge to hang with hooks.
2. Add bat clips or mini sawtooth hangers along the top and bottom for an easel display.
3. Frame the piece with wooden stretcher bars like a canvas painting.

Mount it securely so it stays flat without wrinkles. Measure placement carefully so it’s level and centered on the wall.

Quilting Techniques for Wall Hangings

With wall quilts, you have a big canvas but no hoop or frame. Try these creative quilting methods:

• Free-motion quilt swirling organic shapes and vines that flow across the surface.
• Use an extended walking foot to sew straight lines in patterns like grids or diamonds.
• Hand quilt intricate details with stem or backstitch. This shows off your fine motor skills!

Focus quilting towards the center to keep edges lightweight. experiments with varied stitches lengths and densities too. It’s your chance to quilt without limits!

Embellishing the Wall Quilt

Once quilted, have fun adding extra pizazz with embellishments. Try:

• Appliquéing fabric shapes or motifs throughout the design.
• Hand stitching ric rac trim, rick rack or bias tape borders.
• Quilting with specialty threads in variegated colors.
• Topstitch pearl beads, sequins or other dimensional trim items.

Be creative – glue on feathers, leaves or other natural items too. The possibilities are endless when decorating a wall quilt!



Display Ideas for Wall Quilts

Hang your quilted wall art individually or in a gallery-style grouping. Try these display suggestions:

1. Layer two or more hangings hung one above the other on an accent wall.
2. Alternate horizontal and vertical pieces to form a patchwork-style collage.
3. Hang one large wall quilt over a sofa or bed for visual interest.
4. Show off small quilted squares in frames on an entryway wall.

Consider curtain rod hangers above cabinets in the kitchen too. You can bring quilting to unexpected areas in creative ways!

My Top Tip for Quilting on the Wall

From my experience, one of the best ways to showcase your wall quilt creativity is by framing a small quilt square. It conveniently displays a sampler of your skills. Plus, the frame protects the heirloom quality work from dust or damage over years on the wall. Framing lets you enjoy quilting in a portable format too – bring it indoors or outdoors as your decor changes. So in summary, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when showing off your quilting talents!

I hope these ideas inspire you to try your hand at quilting on the wall. With some creativity, it opens up new sewing possibilities beyond traditional quilts. Let me know if you have any other quilting questions!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Quilting Wall

Feature	Details
Material	Look for a quilting wall made of sturdy wood or metal that can support the weight of your quilt as you work.
Height	Taller quilting walls provide more space and flexibility as you quilt but may be harder to reach the top of.
Support rods	Adjustable support rods allow you to smoothly move and position your quilt as needed.
Mounting options	Consider whether the wall needs wall mounting, table mounting, or is free-standing.
Extra features	Look for extras like storage shelves, accessory hooks, or lighting if important for your needs.

FAQ

1. What is quilting wall?

   Quilting wall is basically a large firm surface, like a wall, where quilters can lay out quilt pieces and pins to put together the top of a quilt. It allows the quilter to step back and view the entire quilt from a distance to make sure everything fits together correctly.

   

2. What materials are needed for a quilting wall?

   All you truly need is a big flat surface. However, some quilters like to use special quilting wall panels made of foamcore, quilter’s canvas, or other materials that are smooth but not too slick. Regardless of the material, it should allow quilt pieces and pins to stay in place while you arrange and rearrange the design.

3. Where can I set up a quilting wall?

   Almost any big clear wall space in your home will work, whether it’s in the basement, garage, or spare bedroom. Some even use overflowing closets! You can also make a portable quilting wall by attaching quilting supplies to a folding frame or roll-up canvas. The options are endless, like those Astronauts on the Moon!

4. How much space do I need for a quilting wall?

   The required size depends on the size of your quilt project. Most quilters say that a minimum of 6 to 8 feet wide by 6 to 8 feet tall allows decent maneuvering space. Nevertheless, the bigger the better since it lets you fully spread out even king size quilts. A 10×10 quilting wall would be a real treat!

5. Is a quilting wall necessary for all projects?

   A quilting wall is definitely not essential, but many quilters find it very helpful particularly for putting together large, complex quilt tops that involve numerous small pieces. For simple quilts with big blocks, you may be able to manage fine without a special wall space. In the end, it depends on your work style and what makes quilting a hassle-free experience. Why not give it a try and see how you like it?

6. What are some alternative options to a quilting wall?

   If short on wall space, you could pin quilt pieces to the floor protected with an old sheet. A large cutting table or the picnic table outside (if weather permits) can work in a pinch. Some quilters even lay quilts directly on the grass! For tiny projects, the dining room table suffices. Maybe try bribing a thrifty friend with home-baked goods in exchange for use of their bigger basement. There are always ways if you use your noggin!

   

7. Any tips for using a quilting wall effectively?

   To avoid ripping pins out of the fabric, use specialty quilting pinheads that mount flat. Keep pins and tape within reach for swift manuvering. Consider low-tack spray adhesive under heavy batting pieces that slip. Bring extra lighting if needed. Have design plans and fabric organized for ease. Most of all, relax and step back frequently to maintain ultimate vision. With patience and practice, a quilting wall will serve you amazingly well for many projects to come.