QUILTS
An LWR quilt is special! It brings warmth on a cold night, shelter from the sun on a hot day. It becomes a bed, a room divider, a backpack to carry belongings, and at times even a home.
Quilts distributed by LWR to refugees and other people in need were first made by recycling old but good clothes, blankets, and other items. Most LWR quilts are still made this way, although fabric samples, remnants, or other new pieces of fabric are also used. Each quilt is one of a kind, with a beauty all its own, made as a gift of hope by caring people.
Your group can also help LWR get quilts to the people who need them by donating a brick on the Good Samaritan Quilt Plaza or by making a contribution to the Project Comfort Fund.
How to make an LWR quilt
LWR quilts are easy to make. Place a piece of fabric measuring 64'' X 84'' right side down on the table. Do not use fabric prints with religious symbols, U.S. flags or military insignia. (Click here for further information.) Place a filler measuring 60'' X 80'' on top, and then place another piece of fabric, also measuring 60'' X 80'', right side up on top of the filler. Tie the layers together, using crochet or similar cord. Bring the edges of the 64'' X 84'' piece over the top, pin and machine-stitch the edge, using a zigzag stitch if possible.
Finished quilts should measure approximately 60'' X 80''. Please keep in mind that the ultimate purpose of a quilt is to provide warmth and choose your fabrics and filler accordingly. Even in warmer climates, the temperatures can drop dramatically at night, requiring a quilt with sufficient filler. Click here for tips on finding affordable filler for quilts.
Please also refer to the General Assembly Instructions and Packing and Shipping Instructions when making LWR quilts.
TIPS
- Quilt tops and bottoms can be made from whole pieces of fabric, or in any type of patchwork pattern of smaller squares. If squares are preferred, twelve 21" squares or 48 eleven-inch squares sewn together using a 1/2" seam allowance make a 60" X 80" top for a beautiful quilt.
- Recommended fabrics for LWR quilts include pre-washed cotton, cotton blends, twill, corduroy, polyester knits, and donated upholstery and drapery samples (no fiberglass).
- Use crochet or similar cord for tying. It is easier to thread and pull through than yarn and also is more durable. Ties should be no more than 8 to 10 inches apart.
- LWR quilts are both precious and practical when babies and children can use their special gifts even as they grow older. Please donate full-size quilts (about 60" X 80") only.
Project Comfort Fund Note: LWR's approximate cost to handle and ship one LWR quilt overseas is $2
What’s Next: How to pack and where to send LWR Parish Projects
From Here to There: How LWR Parish Projects get to the people who need them
From the Field: How LWR Parish Projects are put to good use overseas
In the Parish: How LWR Parish Projects can be a part of your parish’s ministry
Please contact Brenda Meier (bmeier@lwr.org) at LWR if you have any additional questions.
