QUILT SPECIFICATIONS

  • Quilts can be made by individuals or groups or guilds.Click for a printable version!
  • There is no limit to the number of quilts, no specific pattern or size, just recommendations!
  • For a printable (Acrobat .pdf) version of this information click here 
  • For quilt ideas, check out the Pattern Ideas or Photo Gallery on the left.

 

Quilt Dimensions

Fabric Quality

             
A preferred minimum size for Quilts of Valour is 50” by 70”. This makes a good lap size.

The maximum recommended is twin sized, usually 72” by 96”.  

"Rag Style" quilts are acceptable, keep in mind they should be smaller (lighter weight) as quilts with denim can be heavy.  They must be pre-washed and pre-fluffed.		 Please select 100% high quality cotton and ensure the sewing is going to stand up to repeated washings, tuggings and huggings.  The tension should be even between the top and bobbin threads, use quarter inch seam allowance (not scant) when piecing your quilt.  If a seam opens, the soldier receiving the quilt cannot fix it!  Cut off any loose threads as non-quilters will pull them out and maybe even the seam too. We also ask that you wash your completed quilts just prior to delivery in order to remove any perfumes and cigarette fumes. Do not use fabric softeners.

 

Quilt Identification (Labels)

Quilt Designs

Please label the quilt with as much of your name as you are comfortable with, from initials to full name.  Please include all the quilters who worked on the project, including the long arm quilter if one was used.  Please date the label too.

Including the QoV Logo is also encouraged.  Our soldiers are beginning to recognize it!

 Plan a Canadiana theme!   We have seen many maple leaf quilts and they are stunning!  The red/white or traditional looking patterns always work but are not a must.  Think moose, mountains, maple leaves.  Make it  traditional or not!

Refer to our page of patterns that have been made available to QoV quilters and our Photo Gallery.   Our quilters have posted their quilts on our Yahoo group and in Facebook.  Check them out too!
Quilt making ideas

Tied Quilts

Presentation Case
 

Tied quilts will be just as durable as quilted quilts if two rules are followed.

First, don't use yarn for the knots. No matter how tightly it is tied, it will eventually "untie" itself.  Use crochet cotton doubled - Southmaid or Knit-Cro-Sheen weight.  It comes in plenty of colours, so you can match or contrast to the quilt. When the quilt is washed, the cotton will shrink and tighten the knots even more.  A single strand of 100% cotton yarn works well too. 

Secondly, tie with a surgeon's knot. Tie the first half of the knot as usual. When you tie the second half, wrap the thread twice (instead of the usual one wrap) and tighten.  Cut the tails about 1/2 inch long. Truly, it won't come out!

Tip courtesy: Lois in New Brunswick , Canada  

 

We encourage the making of a presentation case for storing and shipping the quilt in.

A case with handles makes is possible for wheelchair bound patients to carry the quilt with them.

The case can match the quilt or can be made with Canadian flag fabric  or maple leaf fabric - or whatever you wish to make.

A standard size with a contrasting cuff and small band requires:

  • .3M Cuff fabric

  • .05 to .1M Band (quilter's discretion)

  • .7 M Feature fabric

Directions for making presentation case (like a pillowcase) with a hidden seam allowance between the cuff and main body of the case are at the following link. (Note, the little band is folded wrong sides together and goes in between the cuff and the feature fabric, raw edges together).

Roll-Sew-Pull Pillow Case  

Long Arm Quilting

 

Quilt Backing

It is not necessary to take your quilt to a long arm quilter.  You may quilt the quilt yourself too!  However, if you need a name for the long arm quilting, contact Lezley or Mary (or a closer contact) and they will give you names of long arm quilters who have indicated they can quilt QoV quilts.  It is up to you to discuss the quilting with the long arm quilter.  Between the two of you, decide who will provide the batting, maybe even the backing.  Discuss who will bind the quilt and the best way to get the quilt back and forth.

 

The backing fabric should also be of good quality cotton fabric (a good flannel works too), cut straight and, if seamed, the selvage edge trimmed from the seam.

Wide backing fabrics are available and are often more economical to use.

If you are sending the quilt out to a long arm quilter to be quilted remember the backing should be 6 to 8 inches wider and 6 to 8 inches longer than the top. This allows for the “drawing up” of the quilting process and gives the long arm quilter something to which the side clamps can be attached.

 

Quilt Acknowledgement

 

Quilt Registration
The soldier receiving the quilt generally will not be identified to the quilters.  This respects their privacy and our privacy laws.  However, you can include a stamped,  self-addressed  postcard with your contact information so that the soldier can acknowledge the receipt of the quilt.  (or put your name, and the Quilts of Valour - Canada head office address and when we receive it, it will be immediately forwarded to you).  

In order for us to keep track of how many quilts have been delivered on your behalf, we ask that you register yourself, or your guild or bee with QoV Canada.

Please forward your name, mailing address, phone number and any guilds you are involved with.  This will assist in connecting quilters in common locations, it can help acknowledge receipt of a quilt - especially if a quilt only has a label.  We would be able to forward a soldier's thank you if a postcard is not included with the quilt.
Email: Register@QuiltsOfValour.ca