So, you’ve finished your beautiful quilted wall hanging—congratulations! Now, you’re probably wondering about the best way to display your masterpiece. While a full quilt hanging sleeve works wonders for larger quilts, sometimes a simpler solution is all you need. That’s where hanging tabs come in! This method is my go-to for smaller wall hangings, and I’m excited to share this quick and easy technique with you.
When Hanging Tabs are Your Best Friend
Why choose hanging tabs over other methods? Here are a few reasons why this technique might be perfect for your project:
Show-Ready?: If your quilt isn’t destined for a competition, hanging tabs offer a more relaxed approach.
Size Matters: For wall hangings smaller than lap size, hanging tabs provide ample support.
Quick & Easy: This method is all about simplicity and speed, with no hand stitching required!
The Beauty of Hanging Tabs: Simple Yet Effective
There’s a reason why I gravitate towards this method—it’s just so darn practical! Here’s a breakdown of why I love it:
Easy-Peasy: Seriously, if you can sew a straight line, you’ve got this!
Quick to Apply: No need to set aside an entire afternoon—you’ll be hanging your quilt in no time.
Uses Basic Supplies: The materials are likely already in your sewing room, saving you a trip to the store.
Gathering Your Hanging Tab Supplies
Before we dive in, let’s gather our tools and materials:
Your Finished Quilt: I’m using my Lunar Eclipse quilted wall hanging for this tutorial.
Fabric Squares: Two 3.5″ x 3.5″ squares for the corners (choose a color that blends with your quilt back).
Fabric Rectangle: One 2.5″ x 3″ rectangle for the center loop.
Corner Squares: Fold each square in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Press along the fold to set the crease.
Corner square folded in half
Center Loop:
Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press.
Unfold, then fold each long edge in to meet the center crease. Press.
Fold in half again along the original crease, encasing the raw edges. Press.
Stitch close to the edge along the open side, backstitching at the beginning and end.
Steps for making the center hanging loop
Attaching Your Hanging Tabs: A Breeze!
Corners First:
Place a corner square at the top left and right corners of your quilt back, aligning raw edges. Pin to secure.
Hanging tab placement on a quilt
Finding the Center:
Fold your quilt in half widthwise, finger pressing a crease at the top to mark the center.
Fold your center loop in half.
Align the raw edges of the loop with the center crease on your quilt back. Pin in place.
Secure with Stitching: Topstitch your hanging tabs to the quilt back using a 1/8″ seam allowance. This ensures they’re hidden once you attach your binding.
Hanging loop placement on a quilt back Pressing the hanging loop Sewing the hanging loop Sewing the hanging loop
Timing is Everything: When to Add Hanging Tabs
I usually attach my hanging tabs after sewing the binding to the front of the quilt and before hand-stitching the binding to the back. This allows me to accurately position the tabs and have the stitching hidden. However, you can add them before binding if you prefer!
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