How to Hang a Tapestry with Command Strips

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Tapestries are a wonderful way to add color and texture to the walls of your home. Hanging tapestries can be a little tricky, especially if you are living in a dorm room or rental that does not allow you to leave markings from nails or thumbtacks in the walls. Command Strips are a great option for hanging tapestries without damaging the paint or finish of your walls.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Hanging a Tapestry with Command Strips

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  1. Large, empty walls are a great choice for a tapestry, though tapestries work just fine in bathrooms and smaller spaces as well. Just make sure that the space is well ventilated, as smells from cooking and humidity in general can get caught in fabric.
  2. Be sure to measure the distance from the ceiling to each corner point in order to make sure they are at equal heights on the wall.
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  3. If you have an iron available, iron the tapestry on the correct fabric setting.
  4. For this method of hanging, Command Picture Hanging Strips may work best (these are the Command Strips that resemble Velcro). Take the Command Strips out of their packaging and separate them. Press the Velcro faces of two strips together until they make a clicking sound.
    • Prepare several pairs of strips in this way so they are ready to use. [3]
  5. Remove one liner from each of your prepared Command strips. Stick the strips securely along the top edge of the tapestry, starting with the corners.
    • Depending on the size and weight of your tapestry, you may only need 2-4 Command Strips across the top edge of your tapestry. Once you hang the tapestry, you may decide that you want to use two more command strips on the bottom edge to hold the tapestry in place.
  6. When you are ready to hang the tapestry, remove the remaining liners from the Command Strips. Starting with the two upper corners, press the Command Strips and tapestry onto the wall, being sure to apply significant pressure.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using Clothespins and Command Strips

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  1. Make sure that the corners are marked at the same height, then draw a straight line between these two points to help you see where to place the clothespins.
  2. You can use regular-sized clothespins or smaller craft clothespins depending on the weight of the tapestry and the look that you are going for on your walls. [4]
  3. Remove the liner from one side of the Command Strip and attach it to the clothespin.
    • For this hanging method, Command Poster Strips will work the best. These strips look like tabs of double-side tape. If you are using small, craft clothespins, you will likely have to cut the Command Strips in half lengthwise to fit them onto the pins.
  4. Remove the remaining liner from the Command Strips attached to the clothes pins. Starting at one of the corners and working your way across the top edge of where the tapestry will hang, stick the clothespins firmly to the wall.
    • The number of clothespins you use will vary depending on the size of the tapestry. Try and space the clothespins evenly across the wall, leaving a few inches in between each one.
  5. Starting at one corner of the tapestry, feed the top edge of the tapestry fabric into each clip. The bottom and sides of the tapestry can remain unfixed or you can choose to attach them to the wall as well.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Hanging with Command Strips and Foam Core

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  1. When finding foam core for this method, select a piece that is approximately the same size as your tapestry or larger to allow you to adjust the size of the board to fit the fabric. [5]
  2. If the foam core you have is not quite the right size for your tapestry, you will need to trim it. Measure both the tapestry and foam core and compare their sizes. You will be mounting your tapestry onto the foam core, so the goal is to leave at least an inch of tapestry overlapping around the edge of the board.
    • For example, if your tapestry is 60" by 45," your foam core should be cut to 58" by 43" to leave an inch of fabric to fold over the edge of the board and staple.
  3. Foam core can be a little tricky to cut successfully. If you have a yard stick, lay that along your measuring line to help guide your blade. Make an initial cut using an Exacto Knife or box cutter, just deep enough to pierce the top paper of the foam core. Then, go over this light cut with a second, deeper cut that goes all the way through the board.
  4. If you have an iron available, iron the tapestry using the correct fabric setting.
  5. Ensure that there is in fact enough fabric left all the way around the foam core to overlap it onto the back of the foam core and staple. [6]
  6. Using a stapler or staple gun, staple the top corner of the tapestry to the foam core. Pulling the tapestry tight, staple the opposite corner. From there, staple at equal intervals around the edge of the tapestry, continuously pulling the tapestry tight.
  7. For this method of hanging, either Poster or Picture Hanging Command Strips will work well. Be sure to adhere the Command Strip to the foam core and not the tapestry fabric.
    • Depending on the size and weight of your tapestry, you will need 2-4 Command Strips, though it is a good idea to have a few more on hand, just in case.
  8. Remove the liner from the Command Strips and press the board and tapestry to the wall. Be sure to apply enough pressure to the tapestry to ensure that the Command Strips have fully adhered to the wall.
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      Tips

      • If available, use rubbing alcohol to wipe down the area where the Command Strips will adhere to the wall. Regular household cleaners will leave a residue on your walls that will keep the Command Strips from sticking, so try and avoid using them [7] .
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      • The weight and size of your tapestry is an important consideration when trying to figure out which method of hanging to use. In general, Command Strips are best for tapestries made of a lighter weight material. For heavier tapestries, providing a foam core base is a better choice than using just Command Strips or Command Strips and clothespins.
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      • Command Strips will not stick to brick, though they will stick to painted cinder blocks. Command Strips are not a great choice for wallpaper or fresh paint, as the sticky side can damage those surfaces.
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      References

      1. ↑ Jason Phillip. Handyman. Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.
      2. ↑ Jason Phillip. Handyman. Expert Interview. 2 July 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.command.com/3M/en_CA/command-ca/how-to-use/
      4. ↑ https://www.remodelaholic.com/hang-art-renting/
      5. ↑ https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-hang-a-tapestry
      6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/easy-ways-to-hang-a-tapestry-in-20-minutes-or-less-249964
      7. ↑ https://www.command.com/3M/en_CA/command-ca/how-to-use

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To hang your tapestry with Command strips, first lay your tapestry face down on a flat surface. Then, press the Velcro sides of 2 Command strips together to form a pair. You’ll need 2 to 4 pairs depending on how big and heavy your tapestry is. Peel off the back of 1 side and stick the Command strip pairs along the top edge of your tapestry. Once you’ve stuck all of the pairs onto your tapestry, peel off all of the backs and stick them to the wall. Hold each strip for a few seconds, applying firm pressure to make sure it sticks to the wall. For more tips, including how to hang your tapestry using Command strips and clothespins, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Fi P.

        Jul 27, 2020

        "I was not sure if I could use Command strips to hang my tapestry and wanted to make sure before I went ahead. Going ..." more
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