Yes, this could work. If I didn't sew the sleeve into the binding (I usually put it in the lower corner, so two sides are sewn in the binding), then they could more easily remove the hand-stitching of an added sleeve if they didn't like it. I've also considered making the sleeve but not attaching it, and simply including it with instructions if they want to hang it. (This is a patriotic quilt -large throw size-that is primarily a birthday gift for my nephew, but his family is quite patriotic, so it is for them, as well).