Displaying Your T-Shirt Quilt: Creative Ways To Showcase Memories

T-shirt quilts are a great way to preserve memories and showcase your creativity. Whether you're an experienced quilter or a beginner, the process of making a T-shirt quilt can be enjoyable and rewarding. These quilts can be as simple or intricate as you like, and they make for wonderful personalised gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. In this article, we will explore different ways to display your T-shirt quilt, ranging from temporary to permanent options, so you can choose the best method to showcase your creation.

Temporary display methods

One option is to use commercial pant hangers with swivel hooks, which offer more flexibility when hanging. You can hang the hangers from a bar stretched between two ladders, from gutters, or even from a rope tied between two trees. Another option is to use steel spring office clips or push pins to hang the quilt from a curtain rod. Simply push the pin into the quilt at the binding and affix it to a wall or the top of a window or door molding. Clothes pins or spring clamps from a wood shop can also be used in a similar fashion.

If you have a staircase or balcony, you can simply drape the quilt over the railing. For a photograph, you may need someone to hold the quilt, but be mindful that fingers and feet may appear in the photo. Command Hooks are another option for hanging quilts that won't damage walls.

Semi-permanent display methods

• Staircases or balconies: Drape your quilt over a railing. If you are displaying the quilt for a photograph, you may want to ask someone to hold it up to avoid capturing the railing in the shot. Avoid hanging the quilt in direct sunlight, as this can cause the colours to fade.
• Vintage ladder: Display your quilt on a vintage ladder, which can be propped against a wall.
• Couch or armchair: Drape the quilt over an armchair or couch. This method makes it easily accessible if you want to snuggle under it.
• Wall-mounted shelf: You can purchase a special shelf that attaches to a wall and includes a dowel rod to drape your quilt over. If the shelf is newly painted or stained, place an old pillowcase between the wood and quilt to protect the fabric.
• Curtain rod: Ask your quilter to add a hanging sleeve or loops to the back of the quilt, then thread a curtain rod through and hang it up.
• Command Hooks: Use Command Hooks, which attach to walls and can be removed without leaving marks or holes. Ensure you select the appropriate size for the weight of your quilt.
• The Hang It Dang It quilt hanger: This hanger slides into a sleeve sewn onto the back of your quilt. The hanger bracket snaps onto a rod that is hung on the wall using a single nail in the centre. This allows the quilt to balance itself naturally.

Permanent display methods

• Hanging the quilt on a staircase or balcony railing. It is important to note that direct sunlight should be avoided as it can bleach the colour out of the quilt.
• Using a vintage ladder to display the quilt.
• Displaying the quilt on a couch or easy chair by draping it across the arm or back.
• Installing a special shelf that is permanently attached to a wall, usually with a dowel rod incorporated to drape the quilt.
• Adding a hanging sleeve or loops to the back of the quilt and then running a curtain rod through it to hang it like a curtain.
• Using Command Hooks to hang the quilt without leaving any nail holes or marks on the walls.
• Using a Hang it dang it quilt hanger that slides into a sleeve sewn onto the back of the quilt.

Hanging a T-shirt quilt

Temporary Hanging Solutions:

If you are looking to hang your T-shirt quilt for a short period, perhaps for a party or to take a photograph, you will want a quick method that does not damage the quilt or the wall. One option is to use commercial pant hangers with swivel hooks, which offer flexibility in hanging. You can hang these hangers from a variety of structures such as a bar between two ladders, gutters, or a rope tied between two trees. Another option is to use cafe curtain clips or steel spring office clips on a curtain rod, or even push pins directly into the quilt and then into a wall or door molding. For a quick photo session, you can also drape the quilt over a staircase or balcony railing, or have someone hold it up.

Semi-Permanent and Permanent Hanging Solutions:

For longer-term display, consider asking your quilter to add a hanging sleeve or loops to the back of the quilt. You can then insert a curtain rod through the sleeve or loops and hang it on the wall, just like hanging curtains. Command Hooks are another option that won't leave nail holes in your walls, but be sure to choose the appropriate size for the weight of your quilt.

When choosing a location for your T-shirt quilt, consider whether the space is large enough to showcase your quilt. Also, be mindful of sunlight, as it can cause fabric colours to fade over time.

Using a quilt stand

Quilt stands are a great way to display your T-shirt quilt without damaging it or the walls. They are also a good option if you want to display your quilt temporarily, for example, at a surprise party, anniversary celebration, graduation party, or for a photograph.

There are a few different types of quilt stands that you can use to display your T-shirt quilt:

• Photo Stand: A photo stand is a great option if you want to display your quilt for a photograph. You can use cafe curtain clips on the rod to hang your quilt quickly and easily.
• Skirt Hangers: You can use the skirt hangers that you already have at home. Simply clip the top part of the quilt into the clamp and hang it on a curtain rod.
• Ladder: If you have a vintage ladder, you can use it to display your quilt. Lean the ladder against the wall and drape the quilt over it.
• Quilt Shelf: A quilt shelf is a special shelf that is permanently attached to a wall. It usually has a dowel rod to drape the quilt over. If the wood is newly painted or stained, put an old pillowcase between the wood and the quilt to protect the quilt.

When using a quilt stand, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Location: Choose a location for your quilt stand that is away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can bleach the colour out of your quilt over time.
• Protection: If you are using a quilt stand with a wooden rod, it is a good idea to put a protective layer between the wood and the quilt. This will help to prevent any damage to your quilt.
• Weight: Make sure that your quilt stand is sturdy enough to support the weight of your quilt.

Frequently asked questions