Fabric / Quilt Donations

General Requirements

  • Size:

    • Quilts should be no smaller than 36" x 36" and no larger than 70" x 90" unless otherwise specified for a particular project.

  • Fabric Selection

    • Choose Quality Fabric – Use 100% cotton fabric that you would be proud to gift to a loved one. Avoid thin or loosely woven fabrics that may wear out quickly.

    • Pre-Wash Fabrics – Washing before cutting and sewing helps prevent shrinkage and removes excess dye, reducing the risk of bleeding.

    • Avoid Strong Odors & Contaminants – Fabric should be free of pet hair, smoke, perfumes, and strong detergent scents to accommodate those with allergies or sensitivities.

      All quilt tops donated to Station Stitchers will be quilted on a long-arm machine. To ensure smooth quilting and the best results, please follow these guidelines when making a quilt top and donating backing fabric.

  • Materials:

    • 100% cotton fabric preferred for durability and comfort.

    • Batting should be cotton, cotton/poly blend, or wool—no polyester-only batting.

  • Construction:

    • Piecing should be secure, with a ¼" seam allowance and proper backstitching at seam starts and stops.

Quilting Guidelines

  • Quilting Method:

    • Quilts must be machine or hand-quilted—no tying allowed.

    • Free-motion, walking foot quilting, or pantographs are acceptable.

    • Quilting should be evenly distributed to secure the layers.

  • Quilting Density:

    • Follow the batting manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum quilting distance (typically 3"–4" apart).

    • Avoid overly loose quilting that may not hold up to frequent washing.

  • Edge-to-Edge Quilting:

    • Quilting must extend across the entire surface, including borders.

    • Avoid large unquilted areas that could lead to fabric sagging.

Binding

  • Machine or Hand Binding:

    • Binding should be double-fold (French fold) for durability.

    • It must be machine-stitched to the front and secured by hand or machine to the back.

    • No raw edges or frayed bindings.

Thank you for your generosity! Every quilt brings warmth and comfort to someone in need

Final Steps

  • Thread Trimming & Finishing:

    • Trim all loose threads and check for secure seams.

    • Ensure there are no pins left in the quilt.

  • Packing for Donation:

    • Fold quilts neatly and place them in a clean, unscented bag or pillowcase before drop-off.

Tips

  • All donated quilt tops will be quilted on a long-arm machine. Please include an extra 4” on all sides when making your backing fabric.

  • If donating a finished top for Station Stitchers to finish, consider donating the backing and coordinating binding.

  • If Piecing the Backing:

    • Use a ½" seam allowance and press seams open to reduce bulk.

    • Place seams horizontally (left to right) rather than vertically for smoother rolling.

    • Remove selvages from seams before sewing to prevent puckering.

    Square Up the Backing – Trim edges straight and ensure the fabric is cut on the grain.

    Press Well – Press all seams flat before donating.

    Label the Top Edge – Attach a note indicating orientation if the backing has a clear top/bottom.

  • Consider adding 1/2 yard of fabric for the binding.

Fabric Donation Guidelines

We gladly accept quilting cottons for our charity quilts! Your fabric donations help us create warm, comforting quilts for those in need.

Accepted Fabrics:

  • 100% quilting cotton (prints, solids, blenders, batiks)

  • Pre-cuts, yardage, and large scraps (at least 10" x 10")

  • Flannel (for select projects)

Not Accepted:

  • Upholstery, decorator fabrics, or heavy materials (too thick for quilting)

  • Garment fabrics (jersey, knits, satin, fleece, denim, etc.)

  • Fabric with odors, pet hair, or stains

  • Holiday or Seasonal Specific Prints