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Quilts of Valour - Canada Delivering quilts of comfort for injured Canadian soldiers.
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Quilt Specifications
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Quilts can be made by individuals or groups or guilds. There is no limit to the number of quilts, no specific pattern or size. For
a printable (Acrobat .pdf) version of this information click here
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Quilt Dimensions |
Fabric Quality | ||
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A preferred minimum size for Quilts of Valour is 50” by 60”. This makes a good lap size. The maximum is twin sized, usually 72” by 96”. |
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.
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Quilt Identification (Labels) 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!
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Quilt Designs 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! Our quilters have posted their quilts on our Yahoo group and in Facebook. Check them out too!
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| Quilt Backing
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.
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Pillow Case
A case with handles makes is possible for wheelchair bound patients to carry the quilt with them. The pillow case can match the quilt or can be made with Canadian flag fabric or maple leaf fabric. A standard size pillow with a contrasting cuff and small band fabric requirements: .
.3M Cuff fabric |
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Long Arm Quilting
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. |
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| Quilt Acknowledgement
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).
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