The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI)
Raising Awareness & Funding Research Through Art
www.AlzQuilts.org
How to Hang A Priority: Alzheimer's Quilt
There are many ways to display a small quilt. Here are some options:
"Fast Finish" Triangles
This is the preferred method of preparing Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts for hanging. Invented by Terry Chilko to quickly create a place for a small dowel, the quilt can be hung on a single nail behind the quilt. The nail will never be seen, it is super easy to get the quilt to hang straight, and it is fast and easy to make.
Simply insert a small dowel, chop stick, skewer, or stiff plastic drinking straw under the top triangles. Pound a nail in the wall and balance the quilt on the nail.
Traditional Quilt "Sleeve"
Traditionally, a sleeve is a tube of fabric, or casing, stitched to the back of the quilt, running from side to side. It is sometimes called a "rod pocket."
A flat piece of wood or dowel is inserted through the sleeve. In small quilts it is best to drill a hole through each end of the wood and tie fishing line to the wood. The fishing line (and your small quilt) can be hung on a single nail. (The nail will show. So will the fishing line.)
Split "Sleeve"
Think of two traditional sleeves sewn with a small gap in between. This is a one-nail hanging operation and the nail won't show. It eliminates the need for the fishing line, but takes longer to make. (Picture to follow.)
Hanging Ring
Hanging rings are usually just plastic drapery rings stitched to the back of the quilt. Pound a nail in the wall and hang the quilt. The nail will be concealed behind the quilt. The quilt will only hang flat if the ring is stitched exactly in the middle of the quilt. Measure twice; sew once.
We've also gotten a few quilts with snap-off pull tabs from soda cans! Hey, it works.
Picture Hook
This is more adjustable than simply sewing a ring to the quilt back. A buy-it-at-the-hardware-store metal picture hook on the back of the quilt, offers slightly more options. Can be clunky.
Plain Back
If your quilt has a plain back it can be displayed in an inexpensive plate stand, set the quilt in the stand, and enjoy it that way. The quilt should be stiff enough to support its own weight.
Or, display your small quilt in a picture frame. Inexpensive framing mats can be purchased at most craft stores. Sandwich the quilt between the mat and stiff paper and pop it in a picture frame.
"Fast Finish" Triangles
This is the preferred method of preparing Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts for hanging. Invented by Terry Chilko to quickly create a place for a small dowel, the quilt can be hung on a single nail behind the quilt. The nail will never be seen, it is super easy to get the quilt to hang straight, and it is fast and easy to make.
Simply insert a small dowel, chop stick, skewer, or stiff plastic drinking straw under the top triangles. Pound a nail in the wall and balance the quilt on the nail.
Traditional Quilt "Sleeve"
Traditionally, a sleeve is a tube of fabric, or casing, stitched to the back of the quilt, running from side to side. It is sometimes called a "rod pocket."
A flat piece of wood or dowel is inserted through the sleeve. In small quilts it is best to drill a hole through each end of the wood and tie fishing line to the wood. The fishing line (and your small quilt) can be hung on a single nail. (The nail will show. So will the fishing line.)
Split "Sleeve"
Think of two traditional sleeves sewn with a small gap in between. This is a one-nail hanging operation and the nail won't show. It eliminates the need for the fishing line, but takes longer to make. (Picture to follow.)
Hanging Ring
Hanging rings are usually just plastic drapery rings stitched to the back of the quilt. Pound a nail in the wall and hang the quilt. The nail will be concealed behind the quilt. The quilt will only hang flat if the ring is stitched exactly in the middle of the quilt. Measure twice; sew once.
We've also gotten a few quilts with snap-off pull tabs from soda cans! Hey, it works.
Picture Hook
This is more adjustable than simply sewing a ring to the quilt back. A buy-it-at-the-hardware-store metal picture hook on the back of the quilt, offers slightly more options. Can be clunky.
Plain Back
If your quilt has a plain back it can be displayed in an inexpensive plate stand, set the quilt in the stand, and enjoy it that way. The quilt should be stiff enough to support its own weight.
Or, display your small quilt in a picture frame. Inexpensive framing mats can be purchased at most craft stores. Sandwich the quilt between the mat and stiff paper and pop it in a picture frame.
