[ARCHIVE VIDEO] National Quilting Day 2026

March 21, 2026, is National Quilting Day. Originating in 1989 as a “Quilters’ Day Out.” Word spread, and it was later adopted nationally by the National Quilting Association in 1991, with the first official celebration in 1992. 

While this year marks 34 years of recognizing National Quilting Day, Lutheran World Relief’s quilters started a revolution of kindness decades earlier. Today we celebrate you and the steadfast efforts of your ministry. 

There are so many stories we share about the lasting impact of your service on neighbors devastated by war, hunger and disaster. But so many more remain hidden, only voiced as a silent prayer of thanks in closed rooms after a distribution. Softly whispered through tears as a mother breathes a sigh of relief that she can keep her newborn baby warm. Know these stories are because of you, too. 

In more than 80 years of serving others, much of the outside world has changed. But the comfort you share with our aching neighbors and the acknowledgement of their dignity through your faithful creations never changes. 

To commemorate this special day, we invite you to watch an archive video created in 1989, the same year “Quilters’ Day Out” began. Let it inspire you, connect you to your peers, and renew your sense of mission as, together, we celebrate the generations of love sewn into every quilt. 

And if you are celebrating National Quilting Day, please let us know. Visit lwr.org/nqd and fill out the form. Thank you!

Lyrics to “Flying Quilts”   
Composed by Rev. Christopher Lee-Thompson
Sung by Rev. Sylvia Lee-Thompson 
Copyright for “Flying Quilts” 1989 by LWR 

Quilts, quilts, flying quilts   
Our quilts are in the air.   
They’re cut, they’re sewn,   
They’re pressed, they’re flown   And sent from everywhere.       

Quilts, quilts, flying quilts   
Our quilts are in the air.   
Layettes and soap   
Are packed with hope   
And send their loving care.       

Quilts, quilts, flying quilts   
Our quilts are in the air.   
They’re launched with prayer   
By sea or air from Lutheran World Relief.   
They’re launched with prayer   
By sea or air from Lutheran World Relief.