Easy Quilt Hanging Sleeve Tutorial - 2 different ways to add a hanging sleeve to a quilt

If you want to hang up your quilt, especially if you're entering your quilt in a quilt show, you'll need to add a hanging sleeve to your quilt. Someone may have told you that sewing on a quilt sleeve is hard, but it really isn't! If you can add a binding to your quilt, you can add a hanging sleeve.
If you already have the binding on your quilt, you can add your hanging sleeve after having the binding on. This video shows you how to add a hanging sleeve to a quilt that already has binding. But, if you don't have the binding sewn on yet, learn how to add a hanging sleeve with the binding. It is super quick to sew on a hanging sleeve with the binding and you'll never want to sew on a hanging sleeve any other way! Especially when adding a hanging sleeve to a wall hanging quilt, adding the quilt sleeve with the binding makes the process a lot faster! And if your quilt is destined to be a show quilt rather than a bed quilt, you'll feel more secure adding the quilt sleeve with the binding. This allows you to machine stitch on your quilt sleeve's first seam. You'll still need to hand-stitch on the lower seam, but half your work is done, making it the easiest way to add a quilt sleeve to your quilt.
If you have an antique quilt that you would like to hang, you can add a hanging sleeve to your antique quilt. This video shows you how to hand stitch the binding to your antique quilt to hang it.
To hang up a quilt, a quilt sleeve is the best. Using a quilt sleeve is the no-damage way to hang a quilt. Don't get holes in your quilt when you add a quilt sleeve to distribute the weight of a quilt.
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Baby Lock Aria Dealer List - babylock.com/retail-locator
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[@suecone2198]

This was the best instructions for adding a sleeve I have seen! I love pressing the seam on the sleeve open to get rid of the bulk and you are right no one is ever going to see that seam! Thanks !!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Glad it was helpful!! ❤️

[@nancytiver7524]

Love this video! I lead a quilt guild and we are looking forward to showing our quilts in a small local show. I shared the url of this video with them so those who have never put a sleeve would have good instructions at their fingertips. Thank you!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh yay!! Thanks for sharing! ♥️

[@bettydanico2959]

Great tutorial 😍🌻🌺

[@koberalice]

This is absolutely the best video I have see on adding a sleeve. I have seen other instructions that just didn't make sense to me. I used this video and have a perfect hanging sleeve for my quilt that was already bound. Thanks so much. I used an Elmer's glue stick versus the liquid glue, but that was the only change I made.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay!! So glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@kayteroulet]

This is the best tutorial I have found online. I'm sharing a link to your video with all the participants in my art quilt group and a class I'm giving to more than 30 guild members. Great job. One additional thing I will mention, tack down the back edge of both ends of your sleeve as well. I don't know how many times I have seen the rod inserted between the sleeve and the quilt because the person hanging the quilt thought that's what they were supposed to do. If it's tacked down, that can't happen. Thanks so much for all the helpful hints you give along the way.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful. And that is a great tip!! I'll have to remember that... it makes sense, though... not all volunteers know exactly how a sleeve works, and it is a shame to put in all the work of making a good sleeve with room for a rod... and then you end up with that bump from the rod on the front of your quilt anyway! 🤪

[@janthompson39]

It’s time doing a sleeve. Thank you for showing us how

[@reneejohnson5041]

Thanks so much for this awesome tutorial. Very helpful. yours was quick AND looks nice!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! And what a great compliment. 🥰

[@lovexcountry]

i appreciated this demo! i looked up how to make a hanging sleeve so that i could learn how to make one. viola! thank you for your help!

[@CarolinaMoore]

So glad it was helpful. 🥰

[@jackpyle16]

Great video! First time attaching a sleeve to my mini quilt block. Thank You!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay!! Glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@kelley.jokibler9723]

Thanks so much for all the clear instructions. Fingers crossed

[@CarolinaMoore]

You'll do great! 🥰

[@michellecurry415]

I am going to add a sleeve to my latest small quilt. Thanks you for the easy instructions!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Glad it was helpful!! Adding a sleeve is so simple! 🥰

[@debbiethomas1776]

Thank you. I made mine so easy with your instructions. Great job.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay! I'm so glad! Hanging sleeves can be so stressful since they're often the last thing, and if the quilt is for a gift or a quilt show, there is a looming deadline! But, they don't have too be all that stressful. ❤

[@nancyloveridge3250]

🙏 for this video. I am going to add a sleeve to a previously completed quilt! 🤞

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay!! I hope it turns out fanstastic!! 🥰

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Great tutorial! Thank you for sharing!

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🥰

[@indyphoto1]

Wow, great tutorial that actually SHOWS how to do this, step by step. Going to try it this week.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know how it turns out. 🥰

[@michelehoward2391]

Good clear instructions! Great tutorial. Thank you!❤

[@CarolinaMoore]

You are so welcome! 🥰

[@corinapvalles949]

Thanks! This method was a sure deal. Perfect outcome.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay! I'm so glad!!

[@carolinap4150]

Very nice tutorial video Carolina !! thank you namesake :)

[@laurabaker8435]

Very good tutorial! I'm just finishing up a wall quilt for the Quilt Show and it came in very handy!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay! I hope folks love seeing your quilt at the show!

[@janecatalano8621]

Perfect method for showing how to add a hanging sleeve to a finished quilt. I have a quilt I was gifted that I'd like to hang and your instructions are perfect. Many thanks!

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm so glad it was helpful! ❤️

[@nonamenoname5870]

thank you very much. you just answered my question about where to sew the bottom part of the sleeve...Very good video. ♥️

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm glad it was helpful! Congrats on finishing your quilt!! 🥰

[@linda12021]

I can't thank you enough for this tutorial! I volunteer for an Arts in Medicine program at our local hospital. We have mothers who embroider squares for their NICU babies. Most just make a pillow from the square, but others are in the hospital so long, they make entire quilts. I was asked if I could put sleeves on the back of some quilts. I said, "Sure!" (I've never made a quilt in my life let alone put a sleeve on one! lol!) Thank you so much!!!! They came out great and were so simple!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thank you so much for what you do! Thankfully, my kids didn't have NICU stays, but I had friends who spent LOTS of time there! I'm so glad I could help in some small way... ❤️

[@earlandbarbeyre2510]

Thank you for the two methods! I quit sewing for about two years and have recently started again-great tutorial!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! SEW glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@valhinkel9516]

Best explanation &tutorial! Thanks!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!! 🥰

[@zachconfer6216]

Thank you so much for this tutorial- my sleeve came out beautifully:)

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay!! That makes me so happy! 😍

[@bettygentry9672]

Thanks!

[@lindaj8608]

Thanking for your tips on making a sleeve to your quilt. I am going to be sewing my first sleeve. Wish me luck- I am most nervous about getting it to hang straight ✨

[@CarolinaMoore]

Good luck! If it doesn't go well the first time, just rip your stitches and try again. It is just fabric and thread. 🥰

[@joybells57]

So excellent and pleasant to watch!! Saved!❤ thank you!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! 🥰

[@anitagoodson198]

Thank you for impressive directions.😊

[@CarolinaMoore]

My pleasure! ❤️

[@tommyricketts6919]

I've never added a hanging sleeve before. As a request from my niece for her daughter I am working on a quilted wall hanging which includes ribbons she won at the fair. I really like the way you presented your demonstration. The way you explain your tips is easy to understand. Thank You!

[@CarolinaMoore]

That sounds like a fabulous wall hanging! I'm so glad the video was helpful! ❤

[@palmcoast35]

Not a quilt but a hanging applique. Thank for for showing both methods and attaching/sewing the binding-one of my weak areas.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm so glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@hilaryfletcher6208]

Great video for hanging a sleeve on your quilt.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! ❤️

[@beavasquez8607]

I love that everything looks great and you don't stress about the little hiccups :)

[@CarolinaMoore]

Quilting is a hobby - it shouldn't be stressful! And the little hiccups or inconsistencies are what add value - because it is handmade. It is made with love and care. That's the important part. 🥰

[@veggiebon]

You make it so easy to understand, showing us as you go along, and you don't talk real fast like another person's one I tried to watch and could not keep up with!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Thanks! I'm so glad it was helpful!! 🥰

[@JenniferHill-cl7yt]

This was really helpful! Tomorrow I have to turn in my quilt for a show!

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay! I'm glad it was helpful, and good luck at the show! 🥰

[@teresavarnhagen6281]

Good reminder to add the sleeve during binding!

[@CarolinaMoore]

I love tricks that allow me to skip a step!! 🥰

[@jmbaus]

This was very helpful.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh! I'm so glad!! 🥰

[@dixieerickson1906]

thanks good information

[@angelaw1317]

Thank you so much! This is the first video of yours that I have seen. I am hanging quilted curtains in an RV. In other words several small quilts in a row. lol. I love the way you taught this and the self checking tips! I'll be watching a lot more of your videos.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm so glad it was helpful! I love that you're hanging quilts as curtains in your RV!! 🥰

[@marilynevers]

Very helpful.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I'm so glad! 🥰

[@momurphymagic]

Making my first sleeve for a quilt my daughter gave to me. Also plan on making a quilt of my own to hang.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay! Once you do a couple, they get really easy! 🥰

[@bettyloujoyce-obrien2602]

Going to try

[@CarolinaMoore]

🥰🥰🥰

[@tonytabares6954]

Thank so much for the thorough instructions!! I actually added my sleeve (already quilted and forgot to include my sleeve before the binding) as I watched the video! You were great and explained the individual directions so thoroughly.

[@CarolinaMoore]

This makes me so happy!! Glad you were able to get the sleeve added!! 🥰

[@pattieccakeart]

Just having a go at my first quilty type thing. Its a wall hanging of one of my son's badges he collected when he was young. He's now 40! so thought it was about time I made them into a display. Thank you so much for this, it's enabled me to hang this memory quilt successfully. x

[@CarolinaMoore]

Oh, yay! I have 3 brothers who all made Eagle Scout, so I love this! ❤

[@theresafama4tlc]

thank you that was a great tutorial - I have never made a sleeve, because all my quilts to date were for beds, however now I am going to start putting my quilts in quilt shows and need a sleeve, I hope I can be as successful as you were at putting mine on. I have to say I hate hand sewing, but it looks like I will have no choice on this as we can not have it showing on the quilt side. I have two full size quilts that need sleeves and I will be making small art quilts at least the ones I will make from now on can be partial sewn on the machine. I wish I could hire someone to put the sleeves on for me, especially those two extra large ones. LOL

[@CarolinaMoore]

For hand sewing, I plop myself in front of the TV and just get it done. It isn't too bad. Sleeves are fairly tedious, though! I just judges the fair this year, and there were some folks who just stitched through all the layers of the quilt. Which really was too bad - to have that line of stitching across the quilt top.

[@theresafama4tlc]

@CarolinaMoore Thanks. I will do my best .

[@CarolinaMoore]

❤️❤️❤️

[@patriciaallen3138]

Thank you

[@CarolinaMoore]

My pleasure!

[@paulimarx]

Very clear instructions. Thank you. Question for you. How do you add a hanging sleeve when you are doing a quilt facing rather than a traditional binding? Quilt is 50 inches wide so it needs support in the middle as well as the ends.

[@CarolinaMoore]

With a facing, I would add the sleeve the method shown here for adding the sleeve after the binding is already on.

[@pamornes8758]

This is a great tutorial I've watched it numerous times. I have a question though, what is the stitch you are using to attach the sleeve?

[@CarolinaMoore]

I think it is a blind hem stitch? I'm a quilter... talking about any stitch beyond a straight stitch is not my wheelhouse...

[@cyndipryce9323]

When you talk about the "poll" you put in the sleeve, what kind of poll do you mean? Very good video. Thank you.

[@CarolinaMoore]

I put a dowel, but there are different rods and quilt hanging options.

[@dvancil5274]

What if your quilt top is not straight at the top? I'm putting a sleeve on a quilt that I made years ago before I really knew how to quilt. Thank you.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Great question! Use the method where you add the sleeve after binding. Use a water-soluble pen on the back to draw a straight line. Use that as your reference for adding the sleeve, instead of the binding edge.

[@KevinBrunkow]

Do you have any written instructions on your directions for this. I would like to be able to print it as I seem to do better with written instructions. I did make one and I really liked the way the quilt hangs! Thank you.

[@CarolinaMoore]

That's a great question! I don't. I should work on that, though! 🥰

[@KevinBrunkow]

@@CarolinaMoore If u ever do, please let me know and thank you!!

[@CarolinaMoore]

@@KevinBrunkow will do! 🥰

[@noranevers]

I am watching this to learn how to add the sleeve

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yay! This should be helpful, then. 🥰

[@deannpype8882]

Is there a reason why you cut the sleeve fabric 8"? That makes for a very large (wide?) sleeve for a dowel that is only 1/2" wide.

[@CarolinaMoore]

This is the standard size for sleeves at Quilt shows. So, I can use a smaller dowel at home, but if it is going to hang at a show, a museum, or shop, it already has the right size sleeve. 🥰

[@jackpyle16]

Help! Can't find answer. I have a 13 x 14" metal, table stand for a 12" x 12" quilt block. At the top, the stand has a permanent metal "rod" with a gap in the middle. Before I sew one, will your sleeve method work for that or do you have another idea to share?

[@CarolinaMoore]

Yes! It will work. To put the Mini Quilt on the stand, put one end of the sleeve over one side of the rod. Pull it down to the end. Now fold the quilt so you can hook the other end of the sleeve on the rod, and pull it down. Because fabric is foldable, bendable, and flexible, you can get it on a split-rod like this. 🥰 Once you do it, it will feel obvious. But it isn't immediately obvious the first time you see one of these stands.

[@jasonkriegler1471]

Hi. I am an artist and have a 7.5 ft wide piece, that I need to hang on a rod 2" from the wall..... Question: for us dummies. and NON sewers. If the piece is heavy, will the art lay flat at the top where the pole is with your 8.5" standard pocket? Can I glue gun the bottom of the pocket and sew the top? Or can I glue gun both top and bottom? I need for my piece to be seamless hanging, so that it looks like it's floating with no indents from the pole or stitching seeing stiching lines. This is not a quilt. Thanks!

[@jasonkriegler1471]

another question: since the piece is 7.5 ft wide should I do 2 sleeves in the back as the rod might bend in the middle from the weight? With a reinforcment in the middle and the ends for hanging the rod.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Great questions! It depends what kind of rods are going to be used to hang your finished piece. At a quilt show, the artist doesn't have any control over that - the quilt show provides the hanging apparatus. It might be PVC pipe (which can bow in the middle) or metal pipe (which would not. If you have control over how this is hung, and you're concerned about weight and the "invisible" nature of the hanging, I'd look at a magnetic quilt hanging system. Those usually have a flat metal plate that goes into the sleeve (so, no bulge on the front), and use magnets screwed into the wall to secure it. Depending on the weight of your piece, you might want more of these units. They should list how much weight they can hold. For large antique quilts being hung, sometimes a museum will add a second quilt sleeve halfway down the back. That way the top rod is only carrying the weight of the top half of the quilt, and the bottom rod carries the weight of the bottom half. This minimizes gravity effects of pulling on the seams of the quilt. As to using a glue gun, I'd look at using a hot glue designed for the material you're using (they make fabric hot glue). And I'd be concerned about the weight against that hot glue. Also, the project would need to be displayed indoors - outdoor summer heat could reduce the effectiveness to disastrous effect. Hopefully that helps, and gives you some direction in your search!

[@Marla.22]

You could sew down both sides on wrong side of fabric, then turn it inside out, then stitches are hidden. With two pieces of that fabric i mean

[@CarolinaMoore]

Hmmm... I'm not sure which step of the process you're referencing?

[@Buttercup1075]

Why do you need an 8” sleeve on such a small quilt that at most will only need a 1/2” dowel???

[@CarolinaMoore]

Because an 8" sleeve is the standard, and I was using this as a sample for the video. 😉

[@sharonrimsza7960]

The 8” sleeve is the standard requirement for quilt shows. They cannot handle different size sleeves for the 100s of quilts entered into quilt shows. Additionally a properly placed sleeve will best show your hard work. If you are not entering your quilt into a quilt show you can make whatever type of quilt sleeve best fits your needs.

[@LeoFieTv]

Funny how quilting and sewing are so far removed from each other that you have to explain backtacking in this video. Also if you're pinning something, try inserting the pins perpendicularly to the seam. Honestly a game changer.

[@CarolinaMoore]

Interesting thoughts! A lot of quilters are self-taught, so I try to explain anything that might be new. Especially since viewers can't ask questions in real time. ❤️ When pinning seams, I do pin perpendicular to the seam. But a quilt sleeve isn't a traditional seam. You could pin this perpendicular, but you'd need more pins, and the pin heads would get in the way as you hand sew the sleeve on. This way, the pin holds the sleeve down along the whole edge, more of the pin provides tension to hold the sleeve in place, and the pin head is out of the way while I sew. 🥰