Thank you for your interest in helping the Quilts for Cops Foundation. Our Foundation relies solely on the generous donations of our volunteers. We most welcome quilt tops and, of course, finished quilts that are ready to send.
Please understand that while we would like to get quilts sent out in a timely manner, we want these quilts to be lasting, usable treasures to the recipients…we want them to be used to provide comfort during the recipient’s healing process. They need to hold up to use and washings, which is why we have set these standards.
We do not know these recipients personally, so we do not know their likes and dislikes. For that reason, we request neutrality in colors and prints. A majority of our recipients are men, so we are always in need of good, “guy friendly” quilts.
QUILT SIZE – Important
Quilt size range must be 60-64” wide by 80-84” long. Please, no bigger, as we have trouble fitting them into the flat rate boxes for shipping.
QUILT FABRIC
Please use quality fabrics. Flannel quilts (top or backing) are fine as well.
Neutral colors and prints. Tans, brown, blues, grays, black, subdued reds and earthy greens are good choices. Please, no panel quilts, sports themes, bright colors, kids’ prints or novelty themes. Also, we don’t want to be confused with Quilts of Valor, so no patriotic prints. We prefer not to use white in large amounts.
If sending backing with your top, please make sure it is 6 to 8 inches wider in width and length than the top.
If your top is scrappy, we can usually find binding. If you choose to send binding, please cut 2 ½” wide (3” for flannels), sew diagonally, press seams open when joining the strips.
Please check your work. Make sure no tension problems or missed seams. Tops should be nicely pressed, ready to longarm.
FINISHING QUILTS
If providing finished quilts, please have them machine-quilted with a 3 to 3 ½ inch quilting density to hold up to use and washing. (That means no area bigger than 3 to 3 ½ inches left unquilted.) Binding needs to be done by machine as well. We have a quilt label that we sew into the binding, so if you are providing finished quilts, we can send you the labels. If you are willing to ship the quilt directly to a recipient, we can also send you enclosure cards to accompany the quilt.
Again, thanks for your interest. Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.
Donating a Quilt Top Information (Printable PDF)