We are looking for hand or machine quilters willing to donate their time to quilt a Quilt of Valor (QOV). QOVs are lap size – generally around 50" x 60". Please contact one of the QOV Coordinators to volunteer. The quilting can be done by hand, domestic sewing machine, or with a quilting machine. You may prefer to have us put you down for ‘X’ quilts per month and then contact us if you want to change the amount or frequency.
Time Frame: If you volunteer to quilt QOVs, we expect to have them quilted within a reasonable amount of time. If problems occur and the quilting cannot be completed within 2 months, please let us know.
Batting: Generally the QOV Coordinator will provide you with a complete QOV kit, including the top, back (larger than the top), binding, label and pillowcase. Depending on availability, donated batting may also be enclosed. If batting is not included, please supply it. Perhaps you can piece together several batting scraps from other projects, making sure the seams are not noticeable. Please do not use a high loft batting. If providing batting is a hardship, you might appeal to charitable groups in your area for help with buying batting. Or, let us know and we'll do our best to find some.
Quilting Designs: A simple overall, either freehand or panto is acceptable, but of course you can do more if you wish. Check to make sure that your stitch quality is good enough to return to a customer or present to a friend. Quilting should be evenly spaced across the quilt and heavy enough to withstand heavy use and washing. If improvements need to be made to the top (wavy borders, unpressed seams, poor quality fabrics), you make the call. Contact the topper and help her/him learn to do it right or contact a coordinator.
Finishing: Please let your QOV coordinator know if you would like to finish the quilt (with binding, label and pillowcase). You are not expected to finish it but perhaps you have friends, guild members or family who would be willing to complete the QOV. It is up to you to decide. We realize that many of our QOV quilters are running longarm business and their time is very valuable. Generally the quilt can be returned to the piecer or coordinator for completion. For more on labels and pillowcases, click on the item.
Optional but very much appreciated by the recipients:
- Letter to recipient – please include a personal note from you.
- Journal/diary entries from quilting your wartime Quilt of Valor
- Photos of you and the quilt can be downloaded to this site or printed and sent with the quilt.