How to hang your quilt

Wondering how to hang a large quilt? This simple four-step method uses a wooden dowel and the hanging sleeve on the back of your quilt to create a secure and elegant wall display.

Start by gathering your materials: a wooden dowel, a saw and sandpaper, a hammer, one or two nails, and a tape measure. I use 10mm beech dowels from a hardware store or Amazon. Dowels can be purchased full-length, or you can ask staff to cut them to size, these instructions also explain how to do it yourself.

Begin by measuring the width of your quilt to determine the required dowel length. Mark the measurement with a pencil, then cut the dowel using a saw. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper so it slides easily through the hanging sleeve and sits neatly against the wall.

Next, prepare the quilt for display. Lightly press it to remove any creases; if you use steam, choose deionised water to avoid marks. Run a lint roller over the surface to remove dust, then carefully slide the dowel through the hanging sleeve on the back of the quilt.

Now prepare your wall fixture. Decide where you’d like the quilt to hang, keeping in mind that it’s best to choose a spot out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading over time. Mark the position on the wall. Smaller quilts can usually be supported with a single nail, while larger quilts are best hung with two nails, use a spirit level to ensure they’re straight. Hammer the nail or nails into place.

Finally, place the dowel onto the nail(s), step back, and admire your handiwork. Quilt wall hangings are easy to remove, reposition, or even take down and use as cosy throws whenever you like. For advice on keeping your quilt looking its best, visit the Quilt Care page.