10 Minute Tip

Making a Hanging Sleeve for the back of the quilt is not really my favorite thing to do, but I've gotten lots of practice at it so I though I would share how I complete this task. 

CUTTING

First I cut the sleeve fabric 8 1/2" wide (because most shows require a 4" sleeve). I use the backing fabric if I have enough left over, or I'll sew together other scraps from the quilt. Sometimes, I'll use a leftover strip from another quilt backing, I'm not picky as I don't consider this a permanent addition to the quilt. 

This strip needs to be at least as wide as the quilt and I prefer to fold over the ends for a simple hem, so it should be about 2" longer than the width of the quilt.

SEWING 

I fold the strip in half lengthwise WRONG SIDES TOGETHER and stitch a quarter inch seam the entire length of the strip. I will backstitch at the ends of the seam to secure it because this sleeve will get used and tugged on, so better to be safe that restitching later!

PRESSING

I press the seam allowance open and position it in the center of one side of the tube. I press the entire tube flat while I'm doing this. This side will become the side hidden between the sleeve and the quilt, so no one will see the seam allowance and the sleeve is ready for attaching to the quilt.

I simply fold the ends into the sleeve at the correct length, then slip stitch the sleeve to the back of the quilt about a quarter inch away from the binding.

I honestly don't remember how I came up with this method, but it's been working for me for years! Also, the sleeve is easy to remove and add to a different quilt if needed. (You know, for the show next year.)

If you have any tips or tricks that you use, I would love for you to share them in the comments.

Enjoy!
Diane