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How to make an integrated hanging sleeve on your quilt!
Tracey Browning 
Strong, durable and using your backing fabric to create the hanging sleeve.
Creating a Hanging Sleeve for your Quilt Using the Backing Fabric
Embarking on making a quilt to hang in a special location is a delightful achievement, and as you near the completion of your masterpiece, the finishing touches become crucial. One such essential element is the hanging sleeve – not only functional for display but also a subtle detail that adds to the overall aesthetic of your quilt. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of creating a sleeve for your quilt using the backing fabric. This method not only streamlines the process but also ensures a seamless integration of the sleeve into your quilt's design.
Before you begin, carefully plan the layout of your quilt top on the backing fabric. Allow for a minimum of 8 inches excess fabric on the side where you intend to attach the hanging sleeve. Resist the temptation to stitch in this area, as this space will be crucial in the sleeve creation process.
Step 2: Quilting Completion
Once your quilt has been beautifully quilted, you face the choice of adding the binding while still on your longarm machine, following the instructions from the 'Binding Your Quilt 2 Ways' course. Alternatively, you can opt to add the binding after trimming and folding/stitching the hanging sleeve, using your domestic machine.
Step 3: Trim with Precision
Carefully remove your quilt from the quilting machine table and grab your rotary cutter and ruler. Trim the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch margin outside the raw edge of the quilt top on all sides, except for the top where your hanging sleeve will be.
Step 4: Prepare the Sleeve
Trim the backing fabric for the sleeve to approximately 8 inches or double the required depth for your chosen hanging system. Using a ruler and rotary cutter, make cuts approximately 2 1/2 inches in from each side of the quilt and 1/4 inch from the raw edge of the quilt top.
Step 5: Hemming the Short Ends With your quilt facing right side up, fold over the short ends of the hanging sleeve twice to create a neat hem, effectively concealing any raw edges. Secure the hem in place by pinning it, and then sew from the top to the bottom on both sides of the quilt sleeve.
Using a ruler and rotary cutter, cut 2 ½” in from each side of the quilt and ¼” from the raw edge of the quilt top.
Fold over the short ends twice to hem to hide raw edges. Pin and sew from top to bottom on both sides of the quilt sleeve.
Step 6: Folding and Pinning the Sleeve Fabric
Turn the quilt over to reveal the underside. Fold the sleeve fabric in half, matching the raw edges. Begin pinning from the top of the quilt along the binding seam line, ensuring a snug fit. This step is pivotal in creating a seamless integration of the sleeve into your quilt.
Step 7: Securing the Top of the Sleeve
Sew along the existing binding stitching to secure the top of the sleeve. This not only reinforces the attachment but also contributes to the overall stability of the hanging sleeve.
Step 8: Final Trim
For a polished finish, use a rotary cutter and ruler to make a final trim. Cut just smaller than 1/2 inch from the seam line of the binding. This precision trim ensures that the extra layers of fabric in the sleeve will perfectly fill the finished 1/2-inch binding, achieving a cohesive and professional look.
Stitch through all layers to secure the raw edge of the hanging sleeve along the binding seam line.
Trim the edge of the quilt to 3/8" from the seam line as the extra bulk will fill the binding fully.
The pleat enables a rod to be inserted to fill the pocket without causing any distortion to the front of the quilt when it is hanging
Step 9: Binding and Concealing the Stitched Line
Fold over the binding to the back of the quilt, covering the stitched line on the front. This hand-stitching process not only provides a clean and finished look but also ensures that the hanging sleeve seamlessly integrates with the overall aesthetic of your quilt.
Step 10: Preparing the Sleeve Placement
Lay the quilt flat with the right side down, allowing the sleeve to sit flat on the back. Gently smooth the sleeve downward along the quilt back, ensuring it lies evenly.
Step 11: Creating a Pleat for Hanging
To facilitate hanging and provide flexibility, make a ½-inch (12mm) fold along the length of the sleeve to create a pleat. Leave the pleat intact and pin the lower edge of the sleeve to the quilt, securing it in place.
Step 12: Hand Stitching the Lower Edge
Hand stitch the lower edge of the sleeve to the quilt, ensuring that your stitches occasionally penetrate through to the batting. This stitching adds durability and stability to the hanging sleeve, providing long-lasting support for your quilt.
Step 13: Attaching Side Edges for Hanging Poles
Hand stitch the back of the side edges of the sleeve tube to the quilt. This stitching ensures that hanging poles can be cleanly inserted, creating a secure and professional finish to your quilt.
By completing these final steps with care and precision, you not only enhance the functionality of your hanging sleeve but also contribute to the overall durability and visual appeal of your quilt. Congratulations on creating a masterpiece that's ready to be displayed with pride! Stay tuned for more quilting insights and techniques. Happy quilting!
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