Creating a quilt facing with a hanging sleeve is a rewarding task that adds a professional touch to your homemade quilt. This feature not only makes it easy to display your beautiful quilt but also protects the top from dust and debris when it's not in use. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process, from understanding the tools and materials needed to the final step of attaching the hanging sleeve.
Before we dive into the process, let's ensure you have the right tools and materials. You'll need a sewing machine, fabric for the facing and sleeve, a ruler, a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, straight pins, and a seam gauge. For the facing, you'll typically use the same fabric as your quilt top, while the sleeve is usually made from a lightweight, sturdy cotton.
Preparing the Quilt Facing
The quilt facing serves as a backing for your quilt, providing a neat, finished edge. It also helps to prevent the batting from shifting over time.
To create the facing, you'll need to cut a piece of fabric that's the same size as your quilt top. This will ensure a perfect fit and a professional finish.
Cutting the Facing Fabric
Using your rotary cutter and ruler, cut a piece of fabric that's the same size as your quilt top. If your quilt top has a border, remember to include this in your measurements.
For example, if your quilt top is 60" x 80", cut a piece of fabric that's also 60" x 80". If your quilt top has a 4" border, your facing fabric should be 68" x 88".
Sewing the Facing
With right sides together, sew around the edges of the facing fabric, leaving an opening on one side. This opening will allow you to turn the facing right side out and press it flat.
Use a 1/4" seam allowance for this step. Once you've sewn around the edges, press the seam allowance open. Then, turn the facing right side out through the opening you left. Press the facing flat, making sure to press the seam allowance open.
Creating the Hanging Sleeve
The hanging sleeve is a simple tube of fabric that's sewn onto the back of the quilt facing. It provides a neat, secure way to hang your quilt.
To create the sleeve, you'll need to cut a strip of fabric that's long enough to fit across the width of your quilt, plus a little extra for overlap. The width of the strip should be about 4" to 6", depending on the size of your quilt and your personal preference.
Cutting the Sleeve Fabric
Using your rotary cutter and ruler, cut a strip of fabric that's the desired width (4" to 6") and long enough to fit across the width of your quilt, plus an extra 2" to 3" for overlap.
For example, if your quilt is 60" wide, you'll need a strip that's 64" to 66" long. If your quilt is 80" wide, you'll need a strip that's 84" to 86" long.
Sewing the Sleeve
With right sides together, fold the sleeve fabric in half lengthwise, so the raw edges meet. Sew along the long edge, using a 1/4" seam allowance. This will create a tube.
Press the seam allowance open. Then, turn the sleeve right side out and press it flat. Topstitch along the open edge to keep the sleeve flat and prevent it from rolling.
Attaching the Hanging Sleeve
Now that you have your quilt facing and hanging sleeve, it's time to attach them to your quilt.
First, place the quilt facing on the back of your quilt, right sides together. Sew around the edges, leaving the opening you left earlier. This will attach the facing to the quilt and enclose the raw edges.
Positioning the Hanging Sleeve
With the quilt facing still attached but wrong sides out, position the hanging sleeve along the top edge of the facing. The sleeve should be centered and the overlap should be at the ends.
Pin the sleeve in place, making sure it's smooth and flat. You may need to adjust the overlap to ensure the sleeve is centered.
Sewing the Sleeve in Place
Sew along the top edge of the sleeve, using a 1/4" seam allowance. This will attach the sleeve to the facing and enclose the raw edges.
Press the seam allowance open. Then, turn the quilt right side out through the opening you left earlier. Press the quilt flat, making sure to press the seam allowance open.
Congratulations! You've now created a beautiful quilt with a professional facing and hanging sleeve. Your quilt is ready to be displayed and admired. Happy quilting!