How to Hang a Quilt for Your Headboard

A quilt headboard is an inexpensive way to instantly change the look of a bedroom. It also allows you to follow the patterns of the seasons with your decor. Simply change to quilt to something lighter colored and floral for spring and summer or to something darker and abstract for fall and winter. Follow these steps to hang a quilt for your headboard.

Step 1 - Decide on the Quilt Position

When creating a quilt headboard, the quilt is traditionally hung vertically so  the pattern draws the eye upwards. It's just as easy to hang a quilt horizontally if you'd like to create a different visual affect. Decide which way you'd like to hang the quilt. Make sure you're able to purchase a decorative rod that's long enough to fit the top of the quilt so you can hang it. You also need to make sure you have enough fabric to create a rod sleeve. When determining the position of the quilt headboard, keep in mind that you will need to move the bed away from the wall and keep it a few inches away from the wall so the quilt can hand smoothly.

Step 2 - Buy A Rod

Buy a rod that's large enough to hold the weight of the quilt and attractive enough to match the decor of your room. The rod itself won't be visible, but the end pieces will be. Ideally, choose a wood or a brass rod since stainless steel does occasionally damage quilt fabric. Make sure you have the correct hardware including drywall screws, if necessary, to help support the weight of a heavy quilt.

Step 3 - Sew a Rod Sleeve

Use the tailor's tape to measure the circumference of the your chosen rod. Cut a long rectangle shape wide enough to go around the rod plus two inches. Use fabric that won't stretch over time. It needs to be strong and tightly woven. Sheets work well. Cut parallel to the fabric to reduce fraying. The length of the piece should be equal the the hanging width of your quilt plus 1 inch.

Fold over the edges of the cloth under 1/2 inch. Pin and press with an iron. Stitch by machine reinforcing the edges. Attach the fabric to the quilt using sewing pins parallel to the top of the quilt and about a 3/4 inch from the top. Don't pin the short sides since these will be the openings for the rod. Double check to make sure the rod will fit through the opening. Double thread a sewing needle and hand sew the sleeve to the back of the quilt with a narrow hem stitch or whip/overcast stitch. Do not stitch through to the front of the quilt.

Step 4 - Hang the Rod Hardware

Use a measuring tape to determine the position of the hardware for the rod that will be used to create the quilt headboard. If possible, try to put some of the hardware in a stud. If this isn't reasonable, reinforce the hardware with specialty drywall screw plugs to provide more support for the weight of the quilt.

Step 5 - Position the Quilt Headboard

Pull the rod through the sleeve of the quilt and hang it on the hardware. Get assistance if necessary.