Creating a Stunning Quilt Wall Hanger
From my experience as an avid quilter, quilt wall hangers make for beautiful home décor while allowing you to proudly display your gorgeous handiwork. But how exactly can you make one? Well, read on for my tips on crafting a lovely quilt wall hanging for your home or as a perfect gift.
Choosing Fabric and Patterns
When making a quilt wall hanging, it’s important to start with high-quality, durable fabrics. After all, you want your hard work to last, right? My favorite finds have been:
- Cotton quilting fabric: Nice and light, while still sturdy enough for display.
- Flannel: Adds delightful texture and coziness.
- Batik fabrics: The vivid patterns make stunning focal points.
I’d recommend keeping your main fabric pieces to 1/2 yard cuts to have plenty to work with but not go overboard on cost. As for patterns, both geometric and appliqué quilted hangings can make an eye-catching artistic statement. Ultimately, choose fabrics and designs that speak to your personal taste – this is going on your wall to enjoy so make it your own!
Planning the Size and Shape
Quilt wall hangings can take nearly any shape you desire – circles, squares, scalloped edges, even gently wavy lines. Feel free to get creative! However, do keep your space in mind. Measure the wall area you want to hang it on a make sure your planned size will fit appropriately.
A good benchmark quilt size is around 36 inches x 36 inches. This makes for an impactful display while still being manageable to sew. For shapes, I’ve found circles or gentle curves to add nice dimension. Just be sure to interface curved edges properly (more on that later) so they hold their shape.
Interfacing and Batting Choices
Now, let’s talk about quilt sandwich construction. Choosing lightweight interfacing and batting is key for wall hangings so they don’t get too dense or heavy. My tried-and-true picks are:
- Lightweight iron-on interfacing: Prevents curved edges from stretching out of shape over time.
- Low-loft cotton batting: Provides softness and breathability without weight.
- Fusible fleece: Adds body and makes the quilt more dimensional (great for focal points).
Be sure to match interfacing/batting thickness to your fabric choices. Avoid going too thick or that can overwhelm the main fabric and alter the drape. Properly fusing layers together with fabric glue or basting spray also prevents things from shifting while sewing, helping pieces hold their shape.
Hanging Sleeve and Hardware
NICHOLAS SEWELL
One of the finishing touches I always add to my wall hangings is a channel or sleeve along the top back edge to slide a hanging rod through for easy mounting. To make one, simply cut a 8-10 inch strip of fabric about 2 inches wider than your quilt. Fold the strip over the quilt’s raw edge with right sides facing, leave a 1 inch gap, then sew shut.
Slide your hanging hardware – I prefer a wooden rod and simple brackets – through the channel and voila! You’ve got an easy way to mount your wall quilt for instant visual impact. Other hanging options like tabs or corner ties work too if you prefer a subtle look.
Final Quilting Considerations
I always get excited when it comes time to actually quilt my wall hanging (maybe a bit too excited…is that weird?). Anyway, since these pieces are meant for display rather than bed use, you can really highlight the fabrics with dense, decorative stitching. Think big zig-zags, swirls, or wavy lines. Have fun and get creative!
Two things though: 1) Do test your stitch length ahead of time on scraps to make sure threads don’t pull or pucker. And 2) Consider outlining key elements in cotton embroidery thread – provides great contrast without bulk. Oh, and definitely sign/date your back when done…after pouring your soul into a quilt, be sure to get the credit you deserve!
Once you’ve layered, quilted, trimmed, and bound your creation – stand back and admire it! (I may have welled up with happy tears when beholding some of my best works…it happens). The pride of crafting a stunning handmade quilt wall hanging is so worth all the effort. So unveil your artistic side and whip up a beauty for your home, or lovingly gift one to brighten someone’s space. However you use it, I hope you enjoy the process and outcome! Let me know if you try this – I’d love to see what beauties you dream up!
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Choose quilt | Select a lightweight quilt that won’t be too heavy to hang. Cotton or cotton blend is best. |
| Measure quilt | Measure exact dimensions of quilt to determine best size for dowel and sleeves. |
| Cut dowel | Cut 1-1.5″ diameter wooden dowel slightly wider than quilt width. |
| Sew sleeves | Sew channels on back side for dowel – place at least every 16 inches. |
| Insert dowel | Slide dowel through sewn sleeves across width of quilt. |
| Add hanging hardware | Screw eye screws into each end of dowel to hang with hooks or string. |
| Iron quilt | Iron quilt to remove any wrinkles before hanging. |
| Hang quilt | Place screws over hooks on wall, use string/wire if needed. |
Here is an FAQ on how to make a quilt wall hanger:
FAQ
What is a quilt wall hanger?
A quilt wall hanger is basically a small quilt that you can display on your wall as decoration. It’s usually around 12-18 inches square and has a sleeve on the back to slide over a hanging rod or dowel.
How do I choose fabric for the quilt?
You’ll wanna go with cotton quilting fabrics, rather than apparel fabrics. The cottons are easier to work with and will hold up better over time. As for pattern and color, pick whatever tickles your fancy! It’s kinda your chance to get creative.
What’s the best batting to use?
I’d recommend a low-loft cotton batting. The thinner batting makes it easier to quilt the layers and also helps the wall hanging lay flat against the wall nicely.
How do I calculate how much fabric I need?
Basically, take the finished size you want and then add about 4 inches all the way around to give you enough for seam allowances and squaring up. It’s better to get a bit extra just in case. You can always use leftovers for other projects down the road.
What’s the best way to quilt it?
You’ve got options here. If you’re new to quilting, you could do straight lines or big zig zags. More advanced quilters may wanna piece fancier patterns. I’d say keep the quilting simple though since it’s gonna be hanging on a wall. No need to go overboard with intricate designs.
How do I add the sleeve?
- Cut a strip of fabric 8-10 inches wide and as long as the width of your quilt.
- Fold the strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press.
- Pin this folded strip to the back of your quilt about 1/2 inch down from the top edge.
- Sew the top and bottom of the strip in place close to the raw edges.
There you have it – the basics on putting together a cute lil quilt wall hanging! Let me know if you have any other questions.