Quilts of Valor — How to Sew a Quilt That Honors a Veteran

Some quilts are made to be admired. Others are made to be wrapped around someone’s shoulders. A Quilt of Valor is made for a very specific purpose: to say thank you for your service and sacrifice in a way no words quite can. 

With Veterans Day coming up on Wednesday, November 11, many quilters are asking how they can honor the veterans in their communities. If you’ve ever wondered how Quilts of Valor work, what makes a quilt qualify, or how to make one yourself, this guide walks you through it.

What Is a Quilt of Valor?

The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream, literally. Founder Catherine Roberts of Delaware had a vivid dream about a soldier struggling with the war he’d experienced, and about a quilt that brought him comfort. At the time, her son Nat was deployed in Iraq. When he returned home, she noticed how much better he seemed when he wrapped himself in a quilt someone had given him.

Today the Foundation’s mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Volunteers across the country make them, and each one is awarded, not simply given.

An award, not a gift. A Quilt of Valor is presented to a veteran in a ceremony, often by a fellow veteran, much like a medal. That’s what makes it so meaningful. 

What Makes a Quilt a “Quilt of Valor”?
A Quilt of Valor can be made from almost any pattern, but it has to meet the Foundation’s guidelines to be recorded and awarded as one:

• Size: Minimum 55" x 65", maximum 72" x 90". The recommended size is 60" x 80".
• Quilted: A Quilt of Valor must be machine or hand quilted. Tied quilts don’t qualify.
• Fabric: Use quality, quilt-shop-quality 100% cotton that’s appropriate for an adult. Patriotic colors are very popular, but they’re not required. Avoid juvenile, gender-specific, or branch-specific themes unless you know the recipient.
• A label: The label must say “Quilt of Valor” in order for the quilt to be awarded and recorded as one. You can write one by hand, print or embroider your own, or buy a ready-made label.
• A presentation case: A pillowcase or tote that coordinates with the quilt is optional for most awards. The case is required if the quilt is going overseas or to a continuing destination, and recipients love having one.
• Reported: After a quilt is awarded, it’s reported through the Foundation’s website so it gets counted.

Tip: Found a pattern you love that isn’t the right size? Try adding or removing a row, or adjusting the borders, to bring it within range.

How to Sew a Quilt of Valor: Step by Step

1. Choose your pattern 
Big blocks and simple piecing are your friends. Half-square triangles, stars, strip quilts, and panel quilts all work beautifully, and the free patterns below are a great place to start.

2. Choose your fabrics 
Red, white, and blue is the classic choice, but you can also use a favorite color, a meaningful theme, or a panel as a focal point. If you know the recipient, a color or motif that reflects them makes it even more personal.

3. Piece the top 
Press carefully and keep your seam allowances accurate. A well-made quilt top is a gift of time and care, and quality workmanship is part of the Foundation’s promise to the people who receive these quilts.

4. Quilt it 
Quilt it yourself on your home machine, hire a local long-arm quilter, or ask for help. Quilters who don’t have access to long-arm quilting can request help from the Foundation’s volunteer long-arm quilters, called the LongArmy.

5. Bind, label, and wash 
Finish with a secure binding, then sew on your Quilt of Valor label. The label should say it’s a Quilt of Valor and include details like who made it and when.

6. Make a presentation case 
A coordinating pillowcase is a lovely finishing touch, and it makes the quilt easy to present and carry home.

7. Award it, and report it 
Present your quilt in a ceremony, or connect with a local Quilts of Valor group to arrange one. Once it’s awarded, report it through the Foundation’s website.

Not Ready to Make a Whole Quilt? You Can Still Help.
A full quilt is a big commitment, but there are plenty of ways to be part of the mission:

• Make a single block for a group’s block drive
• Sew a presentation pillowcase
• Piece a quilt top and pass it along for quilting
• Bind finished quilts, since binders are always needed
• Volunteer your long-arm quilting if you have a machine

Every contribution adds up to a quilt wrapped around a veteran.

Start With the Foundation’s Free Pattern Library
The best place to begin is the source. The Quilts of Valor Foundation shares a selection of free quilt patterns right on its website, so you don’t have to hunt around the internet.

Not sure where to start? The Quilts of Valor Foundation shares a selection of free patterns on its website — any pattern works as long as the size guidelines are met. Browse the Foundation’s free patterns.

Choosing your pattern
A Quilt of Valor can be made from almost any pattern, so keep these tips in mind as you browse:

• Check the finished size. It needs to land between 55" x 65" and 72" x 90". The recommended size is 60" x 80".
• Look for big blocks and simple piecing. They come together faster and let your fabrics shine.
• Adjust to fit. If a pattern you love runs small, adding a row or a border can bring it into range.

Pick a pattern, then stop by the shop and we’ll help you choose fabric and figure out yardage for a quilt that meets the size guidelines!

Stitch Something That Matters, at The Sewing Gallery
Whatever you make, a full quilt, a single block, or a pillowcase, we’re honored to help you honor a veteran. We have the quilting cottons, solids, batting, backing, and notions you need, and our team is happy to help you plan a quilt that fits the guidelines.

🛍️ Shop online anytime at thesewinggallery.net
📍 Or visit us in Princeton, WV to pick out fabric and get hands-on help
📞 Questions? Give us a call at (304) 487-6700

Thank you to every veteran, and to every quilter who stitches a little gratitude into a quilt. 

The Sewing Gallery is West Virginia’s go-to destination for quilting fabric, sewing supplies, and machine embroidery.