Tapestry Care :: How to Hang

Tapestry Gallery - Nearly 2000 tapestries in stock!
A unique combination of fine tapestries are available, specializing in hand-woven wool fabrics, using natural dyes, custom-dyed yarns, handspun yarns, and various, traditional weaving styles.

Need information about tapestry care, a cleaning tip or tapestry repair? We are always pleased to help.

Unlike a framed print, tapestries are woven individually on a loom and part of their individuality is that there may be irregularities in the weave, hanging undulations, and they may not be square.

All of our tapestries are woven in Europe. Some of the finishing work is done by our seamstress on tapestry pieces that we receive “right off the loom” we hand finish these wall-hangings adding borders, linings and rod pockets for easy hanging. Tabs (loops) (not necessary for hanging) may be added to some designs. Cushion covers are finished with velvet backing in a choice of five colors with matching piping and a hidden zip fastener. We are proud of the quality of our finishing: two of our supplying weavers (one French, one Belgian) have said that ours is the best they have seen!

There are a few of ways to hang tapestries with rod pockets.

1. Cut a length of round wooden dowel slightly longer than the rod pocket. Insert small cup-hooks into each end and simply place them over small picture hook nails. This is quick, easy and inexpensive.

2. Purchase a metal rod with finials (decorative ends) from a local drapery or interiors store. Use the provided brackets for the tapestry to hang 'off' the wall or hang the rod over two nails hammered down at a 45 degree angle for flush mounting. Add a pair of cords with tassels to either side if desired to 'tie in' the tapestry to the existing décor. If your tapestry has hanging loops you will want to use this method, with the ornate or decorative rod hanging above the tapestry.

3. If your tapestry is not lined it may be framed similar to framing a fine painting or manuscript.

Tapestry Repair.

A professional should clean a tapestry that is very old and valuable. Some tapestries can usually be washed at home. Use suds made from mild soap flakes and warm water. Dry carefully and use a steam iron for pressing.

Old antique tapestries often have flaws and holes. The most successful mending is to replace worn warps and to reweave the weft threads. An easier method is to attach a patch to the back and darn the hole. A serious drawback to this is that the patch is likely to shrink or pull if the tapestry is washed.

Moths and mildew and strong sunlight are tapestries' three worst enemies. A moist atmosphere can cause deterioration of fibers and is responsible for fading of colors. Strong light can have a disastrous effect on tapestries. Textiles are subject to fading over time if placed in direct sunlight. You may wish to take precautions to minimize fading