Quilt specifications

Fabrics: Use new or nearly new materials, sturdy, washable fabrics such as cotton/cotton blends. Avoid fabrics that won’t wear well. Pleasing, bright color combinations are greatly appreciated brighten a sterile hospital room. Novelty fabrics with interesting themes (gardening, birds, tractors, chili peppers, animals) can provide conversations and ways to connect with the patient.
Size: 40 x 60” lap size is desired size and cotton or cotton blend batting preferred. Try out our free patterns or get inspiration in our quilt gallery.

Machine quilting is appreciated and encouraged; hand quilting also welcomed
Many of our comfort care quilts are constructed using the pillowcase style by sandwiching the 3 layers, sewing the quilt around the outer edges, then turning it inside out like a pillowcase (no binding needed), sew around the edge before you tie it
If tying, aim for ties 4–8″ apart. Please use embroidery thread (usually 3 strands) or DMC thread #5 size
Ties can be on the front or back, consider which would enhance the appearance
If you have a pieced top only, there are volunteers willing to finish it
If you bind or sandwich the quilt and don’t want to machine/hand quilt, we have volunteers to tie it.

Completed quilts are stocked in the hospital and made available to hospital staff as a way to humanize the end-of-life experience for patients, families/friends, and staff. See “Quilt Stories”.
We sew over 400 quilts a year.
Everyone is welcome to volunteer. At Sew Fest, all sewing skill levels are welcome, please bring your own sewing machine if you have one. If you do not sew, you are needed for ironing, pinning, and tying the quilts
We meet in-person six times a year at UWMC or Harborview and we have all supplies needed with the exception of sewing machines.
If you have cotton quilt fabric to donate, please visit “Donate”.