Prairie Point Hanging Method

What is a prairie point?

Simply cut a square piece of fabric. Fold it in half, diagonally and press. Again, fold it in half, diagonally and press. That's a prairie point!

How do I use prairie points to hang quilts?

First, make an even number of prairie points as described above. This allows for a wall hanging to be hung from one center point (like a nail, screw, pin, or Command hook).

After cutting and pressing your prairie points, pin the layers at the raw edges and about 1/8 inch from the edge. This isn't necessary, but it keeps your edges neat when basting the points to the quilt.

Next, space your points evenly across the top of your quilted, squared, and trimmed quilt, with the raw edges even with the top edge of your quilt. (In case you forget this step, it is okay to do this after your binding is machine stitched.) Remember to leave space between the two center points and keep your outermost points about an inch from the left and right edges of your quilt.

Then, use a machine basting stitch to attach your points to your quilt, making sure your seam allowance is smaller than a binding seam allowance.

With a double thread, tack down the points with 4 or 5 stitches to the back and batting of your quilt, making sure you don't stitch through to your quilt top.

Turn your binding and stitch by hand as usual. When you make the last stitch of your binding. your quilt is ready to hang!

What size and how many prairie points do I need?

For a small, 18-inch wall hanging, you might use two points made from 8 1/2 inch squares. For a little larger wall hanging (36 inches), use four 8 1/2 inch squares. You can use this method for large wall quilts, too. Just add more prairie points! If you are hanging a large wall hanging with a rod, it doesn't matter if you use an even number of points. 

Note: Extra large rods, such as those used in some quilt show venues, require extra large points! For this application, I have used 12 inch to 18 inch squares for accommodating a 6 inch rod. When handing-tacking the points, bring each point 1/2 inch closer to the top edge of the quilt. This will give more room for the rod to slide easily and allows your quilt to hang smoothly. Of course, this uses a lot of fabric, but if you have extra it adds a nice touch to the back of the quilt.

Why Prairie Points?

It's easy and it doesn't hurt! I have always found it ackward, stitching across the back of a large quilt to tack down a sleeve. My quilts would get bunched up, making hard wrinkles- plus, it strained my shoulders. Besides, the points add interest to the back of your quilt. As you might have guessed, I often make my points from the REVERSE side of my backing fabric!