by Serena Smith

Note: Click on the photos for a larger image

What is a quilt sleeve? A quilt sleeve is a piece of fabric stitched on the back of the quilt near the top edge. This tube of fabric is made so a dowel rod can be inserted for the purpose of hanging your quilt or wall hanging. Quilt shows will require you to stitch a sleeve on the back of your entry. Most of the time, quilt shows will give you dimensions for creating a quilt sleeve according to their requirements. If they don't, you will need to create your own. Even if you are not entering your project in a quilt show, it is still a good idea to attach a sleeve if you will be hanging it in your home.

Here are some guidelines for making your own quilt sleeve:

Measure the width of the top edge of your quilt. Cut a strip of fabric that is that long and 10" wide. This length of fabric may be pieced if needed. It does not need to match the quilt fabric; it can be a completely different color.

Turn the two short ends under twice in a 1/4" seam to encase the raw edge and hem both ends.

With WRONG sides together, stitch the length of the fabric in a 1/4" seam. This will form a long tube. Do not turn the tube.

Press the fabric tube flat in half, placing the seam in the center of the tube for the sleeve back. Press the seam allowance open. Be sure to press a firm crease as you are pressing the fabric flat.

Press another crease 1" from one of the previous creases on the side with the seam. This will create a bubble on the front of the sleeve allowing for the width of the rod. This will be the bottom crease.

Pin the sleeve on the back of the quilt, placing the top crease 1" down from the top edge. Pin the bottom crease to the quilt, making sure the sleeve has a bubble on the front. The seam allowance should be hidden between the quilt back and the back of the sleeve.

Whipstitch the top and bottom crease to the quilt back. Catch the quilt backing, being careful to not go through to the front. Whipstitch the two short ends to the quilt, being sure that a hanging rod can be inserted.

Press the sleeve if needed. When pressed, the quilt sleeve should lay flat, following the top crease and extra crease in the fabric. This bubble allows room for a dowel rod to be inserted and lets your quilt hang flat.

If the bottom hem of your wall hanging wants to flap around, add a narrow tube of fabric and insert a dowel rod to help keep it flat and straight.