Do

DO  Not

Fabric

Use high quality 100% cotton quilting weight fabric appropriate for an adult.

Use sheets, thin, stiff, or scratchy fabric.

Pattern

Many free patterns are available on our website and on the web.

Make rag quilts.

Make a wholecloth QOV unless you are a professional quality quilter.

Size

 Top:  Recommended 60"x80"; Minimum 55"x65"

Backing 4 to 5 inches larger on all four sides.

Make quilt top less than minimum or more than maximum.

Binding

Use straight cut or bias double fold binding; join binding pieces with diagonal seams.  Apply neatly by hand or machine.

Fold over backing and use as binding or zig-zag binding in place.

Quilting

Machine or hand quilting in an appropriate design. ( free hand, pantograph, or computer guided patriotic or generic designs)

Balanced stitches of uniform size.  (5 - 7 stitches per inch if quilted by hand; 8 -12 stitches per inch if by machine)

Low-loft quality batting. (Cotton, 80/20, or poly from Pellon, Warm Company; Quilter's Dream; Hobbs)

Tie

Do only stitch in the ditch on a domestic machine or use giant meander

Use high-loft batting

Label

Must include Quilt of Valor; blank for name of recipient.  Should include names of piecer and quilter.

Do not include more than your first name and state.

Include advertising, political or religious messages.

Journal

Write a note to the recipient.

Do not include more than your first name,  and state

Include advertising, political or religious messages.

Washing

Wash your quilt after it is quilted and bound.

Use a Color Catcher in the machine

Use scented laundry products .

Send a quilt covered in pet hair.

Presentation Case

Make a coordinating pillowcase or bag in which to place your QOV.

Send your quilt without a presentation case.