A Quilt of Valor is awarded to those touched by war. It says, “Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and valor” in serving our country.
We support Quilts of Valor in several ways. PALS members donate their time and talents to piece, quilt, bind, and label QOV quilts. We also schedule sew-ins at our local quilt shops several times a year.
Quilts of Valor are to reflect the best possible workmanship and use of quality materials consistent with the Foundation’s core value of promoting excellence.
Procedures for making Quilts of Valor are as follows:
- Fabric used should be high quality 100% “shirt-weight” or “quilt-weight”cotton fabric appropriate for adults.
- While Quilts of Valor do not have to be red, white, and blue, most recipients, given a choice, choose quilts that are patriotic in theme.
- Patterns and blocks can be of any design suitable for a patriotic theme.
- Use of military-branch-specific fabrics (Army, Navy, etc.) or non-“patriotic” fabric (overly floral), unless the recipient is known in advance, may create difficulty in identifying a recipient.
- A Quilt of Valor is to be large enough to cover an average-sized adult, with an ideal size approximately 60” x 80.” Finished size can be no smaller than 55” x 65” and no larger than 72” x 90.”
- A Quilt of Valor consists of a top, batting, and backing, and must be machine quilted or hand quilted. A tied quilt is not acceptable for a Quilt of Valor.
- Backings provided to volunteer QOVF-registered longarmers must be 4” larger than the quilt top on all sides (8” wider in width and 8” longer in length than the top). Note: Some longarmers may have different requirements.
- Only member volunteers in good standing can request free-of-charge quilting of their tops by a QOVF-registered volunteer longarmer.
- Batting should be quality, low-loft batting. Quilting should be appropriate for the quilt and not overly dense, which can reduce the loft of the quilt.
- Binding strips should be joined with diagonal seams. Binding should be double-fold (“French fold”), attached by machine, and finished by hand or machine.
- A Quilt of Valor must be labeled as such. Information about making and purchasing labels is in the “QOV Construction Quick Reference Guide” in the Appendices section of the Policies & Procedures Manual.
- A Quilt of Valor may be awarded in a presentation case, though a presentation case is not required. QOVs must have a presentation case when going to overseas facilities, to continuing destinations, or if requested.
- Before awarding, a Quilt of Valor must be machine laundered (gently, using mild detergent) so any bleeding of fabric dyes has occurred prior to awarding, and because some facilities where quilts are awarded require pre-laundering. Use of a “color catcher” that attracts loose dye during washing is recommended.
- A note, card, letter, or journal documenting the creation of a Quilt of Valor may be presented to the recipient along with the quilt.
