Quilts from the Heart

OUR MISSION

Quilts From The Heart is a non-profit public benefit organization that loves to help in need children, teens and adults by providing comforting handmade patchwork quilts to keep them warm. Our members share their love of fabric, quilting and friendship in a "no pressure" atmosphere of fun and camaraderie.

WHO WE ARE

Quilts From The Heart was founded in 1993 in Edmonds, Washington by a small group of women. Through the contributions of many generous women and men of all ages, we have donated nearly 18,000 and counting handmade quilts. We primarily serve western Washington state.

To see some of the quilts our members have made, click Quilt Photos.

We currently have two meeting locations in the Puget Sound area, one in the north, Lynnwood and one in the south, Algona-Pacific. We have several active members from around the country that participate by sending us quilts and tops. We welcome members from anywhere in the country.

MEMBERSHIP

Quilts from the Heart Membership is open to everyone.

First and foremost — We are all volunteers. Do what you feel comfortable doing. Our expectations about your participation match your desires! There are no deadlines either. Our motto is: NO PRESSURE

If you would like to join Quilts From The Heart, just click here to print out the Membership Form. When filled out, send it with your check to address on the form.

Membership dues are $15.00 per year, the optional sponsorship levels are $25, $50, $75 or $100. Any amount above the standard membership level helps Quilts From The Heart purchase much needed batting, long arm quilting thread and fabrics.

CALENDAR

For the current meeting dates and locations, please contact us at email: info@quiltsfromtheheart.org

For QFTH members, be sure to check your monthly newsletter for meeting and event dates.

QUILT GUIDELINES

General Guidelines for making quilts

Click here to open a printable document with these Quilt Guidelines.

We encourage you to create quilts from 100% cotton fabric, using any design, pattern or color. The quilts are given to females and males of all ages. Unisex quilts are really great. Do what you feel comfortable doing, we appreciate anything you do.

Fabric

Use 100% cotton fabric, this includes flannels.
Use any color, design or combinations. Sometimes the scrappier the better.
A large stash of donated fabric for members to use is available at the meetings.
Baby theme quilts should be no larger than crib size.
Fabrics with a holiday or religious theme are not recommended for our quilts.

Pattern

Any pattern can be used.
Gather ideas from the internet, quilt books and magazines.
For great quilt inspiration, view quilts our members have created by clicking here: http://qfth.smugmug.com.

Quilt Size Guidelines (sizes approximate and variable)

Crib: 36 x 48" or shorter. Some charities prefer no larger than 40” x 40”
Twin: 55" x 75"
There is little demand for quilts 50” to 60” square, double or queen size. However, if you make a quilt in any size, we will find it a good home.

Standard Mattress Sizes (for your reference)

Crib	Twin	Double	Queen	King	CAL King
27” x 53”	38” x 75”	54” x 75”	60” x 80”	78” x 80”	72” x 84”

Batting:

Batting should be lightweight, something like bonded polyester, cotton or cotton blend.
We do have a supply of batting available for member use for QFTH quilts.

Quilting:

Quilts must be machine quilted so that they hold up to numerous washings and last a long time. You may machine quilt in any way you like. If you are unable to quilt your tops there are two other options:

We also have generous longarm quilters who volunteer to quilt for the organization. Just bring the finished top and backing fabric to a meeting.
Our longarm quilters request that you follow these requirements:

All threads on the quilt must be trimmed to prevent them from getting tangled up in the quilt machine.
Please consider adding a border around all the blocks. This makes it easier for the quilter to quilt.
Quilt and backing must be squared up.
Provide a completed fabric backing that is at least 6" longer and 6" wider than the top. Trim the selvedge in the middle of the back fabric, but leave selvedge on the outside edges.
If you provide batting, it should be approximately 6" longer and 6" wider than the top.

Labels for back of quilt

Fabric Labels: These labels are used to identify the quilt and are available at the monthly meetings or upon request at info@quiltsfromtheheart.org. When finishing the quilt and before sewing on the binding, sew on a fabric label on the back of the quilt. Use the binding to hold two edges of the label. Then stitch around other edges.

Quilt Information Form: Fill out information and SAFETY PIN it to the back of quilt above the fabric label you sewed on. Quilt Information Form is available at the monthly meetings or click here to print out the form.

PATTERNS

Any pattern can be used for our quilts. If you have any suggestions for a pattern, please send an email to info@quiltsfromtheheart.org.

You can find many free quilts patterns on the internet, just do a search for:

Free quilt patterns
Free quilt patterns using fat quarters
Free quilt patterns using 2.5 inch strips

Here is a good link for free quilt patterns: https://www.allpeoplequilt.com.

QUILT PHOTOS

Here's how it works...

The photos are shown on a photo-sharing web site called SmugMug at qfth.smugmug.com

The photos are organized in photo galleries – “Work Parties” or “Retreats and Parties”. Photos of quilts turned in during work parties are shown in one of the Work Party galleries, organized by month and year. Just select any of the photo galleries to view the quilts that were turned in at each work party (most anyway).

Anyone can view the "Work Parties" galleries, but the "Retreats and Parties" galleries are password-protected and intended for viewing by members. If you are a member and forget the password, please contact us at info@quiltsfromtheheart.org.

Not all quilts that have been turned in will be included on this site.

Please don't download copies of our photos.
Photos shown on this site are owned by Quilts from the Heart or its members and all rights are reserved.

FAQ

What type of quilt does Quilts From The Heart accept?

Almost anything you are willing to make and donate, we can use to provide warmth and color for people in need. We mostly make and donate crib and twin bed sized quilts.
Baby theme quilts should be no larger than crib size.
Quilts made with holiday or religious theme fabrics are not recommended for our charities.

What size of quilt does Quilts From The Heart prefer?

Click here to go to our Quilt Guidelines page.

Here are the general guidelines for the most needed quilt sizes. Remember these are approximate guidelines and not written in stone!

Crib: 36" x 48" or shorter. Some charities prefer no larger than 40” x 40”.
Twin: 55" x 75"
There is little demand for quilts 50” to 60” square, double or queen size. However, if you make a quilt in any size, we will find it a good home.

How can I help?

Our motto is "No Pressure!” You can assist us with piecing, quilting, clerical and organizational tasks, fundraising events…or anything that is your particular expertise! If you cannot make an entire quilt top, we welcome individual blocks.

Where can I find a pattern for making a quilt?

Any pattern can be used.
Gather ideas from the internet, quilt books and magazines.
For great quilt inspiration, view quilts our members have created by chickling here: http://qfth.smugmug.com.

Can I donate fabric or batting?

Fabrics

Yes! We appreciate any donation of 100% cotton fabric. Packaged batting or large, usable pieces are also gladly accepted.

Batting

Batting should be lightweight, something like bonded polyester, cotton or cotton blend.

Can I donate money?

Yes! Monetary donations are used to purchase supplies such as batting and fabric. We are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization; therefore, your donations may be tax deductible to the extent of the law. Contact us at: info@quiltsfromtheheart.org

When and where does Quilts From The Heart meet?

We currently have two meeting locations in the Puget Sound area, one in the north, Lynnwood, and one in the south, Algona-Pacific. QFTH usually meets monthly in both north and south locations. We have several active members from around the country that participate by sending us quilts and tops. We welcome members from anywhere in the country.

In addition, we have two fun quilting retreats a year (spring and fall).

How do I join?

If you would like to join Quilts From The Heart, just click here to go to our Membership page to print out the Membership Form. When filled out, send it with your check to address on the form.

How can my organization become a recipient of our quilts?

Quilts From The Heart primarily serves recipients located in western Washington state. If your organization is in western Washington state and you would like to participate, for more information click here.

QUILT RECIPIENTS

Quilts From The Heart primarily serves recipients located in western Washington state.

If your organization is in our service area and would like to be considered for participation, click here to print out the questionnaire. When completed, attach it to an email, and send to: info@quiltsfromtheheart.org. or print and send to the address listed on the questionnaire.

Here is a list of the current recipients of our quilts for 2022:

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services

Accelerator YMCA

American Legion Post 76

Anacortes Family Center

Columbia Memorial Cancer Center

Columbia Memorial Hospital

Elizabeth Gregory Home

EvergreenHealth Hospice

Head Start Long Beach

Hickman House

Jubilee Women’s Center

Katherine & Rita's Houses

Lifewire

Low Income Housing Initiative

Ocean Park Women's Shelter

Pacific County Hospice

PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice

Royal Family Kids Camp

Solid Ground

St. Joseph’s House

St. Michael's Hospital Oncology Center

Step by Step Family Services

Swedish-Ballard Women's & Infants’ Clinic

Swedish Women’s Addiction Recovery Services

The Sophia Way

Tulalip Tribes Foster Program

Two Hearts Pregnancy Aid

Union Gospel Mission Women's & Children's Shelter

Veterans Administration Hospital

Vision House - Shoreline

Westside Baby

Young Women Empowered

COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAMS

Quilts from the Heart has partnered with various local companies to receive donations when you buy something. If you have any friends or family that would like to help Quilts from the Heart with their every day purchases, please share the following information with them and have them sign up. Every little bit helps!

Fred Meyer Rewards Card Community Rewards

Linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Quilts From The Heart at http://www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards is easy. U nder the title “Are you a Fred Meyer customer?” – select “Link your Rewards Card Now” then file out the “Create an Account”. You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit # is 88578.