What Makes a Quilt of Valor Different.
A Quilt of Valor is not just a gift — it's an award. Each one is presented in a formal ceremony where the veteran is thanked for their service, wrapped in the quilt, and honored in front of family, friends, or fellow service members. The ceremony is the point. The quilt is the physical reminder of what was said and felt in that room.
Catherine Roberts founded the Quilts of Valor Foundation in 2003 while her son Nat was deployed in Iraq. She had a dream of a young service member sitting on the side of a bed, hunched over in despair, being comforted by a quilt. That dream became an organization that now operates in all 50 states with thousands of volunteer quilters.
Who Qualifies for a Quilt of Valor.
Any service member or veteran who has been "touched by war" is eligible. This includes combat veterans, those who deployed to conflict zones, those who supported combat operations from stateside, and service members affected by military service in ways that may not be visible. The definition is deliberately broad — the foundation recognizes that war touches people in many ways.
There are firm rules about what a QOV is not. Quilts of Valor are never awarded posthumously — they are for the living. They are never presented on Memorial Day, which honors the dead. They are never used as casket drapes. The quilt is meant to be used: slept under, wrapped around shoulders, carried to a hospital bed. It's a living symbol of gratitude, not a memorial artifact.
How to Nominate a Veteran.
Anyone can nominate a service member or veteran — you don't need to be a quilter or a QOVF member. Visit qovf.org, find the nominations section, and fill out the form. You'll provide the nominee's name, branch of service, era of service, and a brief description of how they were touched by war. The local QOV group in your region will coordinate the quilt and the ceremony.
If you know a veteran in the Inland Northwest who deserves recognition, the Lewis-Clark QOV chapter covers North Idaho and Eastern Washington. In Spokane, the Garland Church QOV group is also active. The Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls has the Patriotic Piecers who focus specifically on residents of the home.
Making a Quilt of Valor to Spec.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum size | 55 × 65 inches |
| Maximum size | 72 × 90 inches |
| Ideal size | 60 × 80 inches |
| Fabric | 100% quality quilting cotton (top and back) |
| Batting | Cotton, cotton-poly blend, or wool — no polyester-only |
| Construction | Machine or hand quilted, not just tied |
| Binding | Machine or hand bound, not self-binding |
| Label | Official QOVF label sewn on back (available from qovf.org) |
| Themes | Patriotic themes encouraged but not required — any design welcome |
| Condition | New, clean, smoke-free, pet-hair-free |
The 60×80-inch recommended size is large enough to fully cover a person in a wheelchair or hospital bed — which is where many QOV presentations happen. The requirement for machine or hand quilting (not just tying) ensures durability. These quilts get used hard. They go to VA hospitals, they travel in duffle bags, they get washed repeatedly. They need to hold together.
Fabric Selection Tips for QOV
Patriotic themes are the most common — red/white/blue combinations, star prints, eagle motifs, flag-inspired designs — but they're not required. What matters more is quality. Use 60-square quilting cotton from reputable brands. Prewash fabrics to prevent bleeding, especially reds and blues. Quality batting (Warm & Natural cotton is a popular choice) ensures the quilt drapes well and washes without shifting.
At Baskets of Blessings, we carry quilting cottons suitable for QOV projects and can help you select fabrics that meet the foundation's standards. Our staff can also help with layout planning if you're making your first QOV.
The Award Ceremony.
The ceremony is as important as the quilt. A typical QOV presentation includes reading the veteran's story (with their permission), acknowledging their service, wrapping the quilt around their shoulders, and allowing family and attendees to express gratitude. Many ceremonies happen at VFW posts, American Legion halls, churches, family gatherings, and VA facilities.
The moment a veteran is wrapped in their quilt — often by a family member or fellow veteran — is almost always emotional. These are often people who have never been formally thanked for their service. The quilt gives the room permission to say what needed to be said.
Local QOV Groups in Our Region.
Lewis-Clark Quilts of Valor — 66 active members covering North Idaho and Eastern Washington. They coordinate quilt production and award ceremonies across the region.
Garland Church QOV Group — Based at 2011 W. Garland Avenue in Spokane. Active group making quilts specifically for Spokane-area veterans.
Patriotic Piecers — Based at the Idaho State Veterans Home in Post Falls. They make and present quilts to residents of the home.
To join any of these groups, visit qovf.org and look for your state's coordinator, or contact the local group directly. New quilters are always welcome — and many groups also need help with cutting, pressing, and ceremony coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What is a Quilt of Valor?
A handmade quilt awarded in ceremony to a service member or veteran touched by war. Over 370,000 awarded since the foundation's 2003 founding.
How do I nominate a veteran?
Visit qovf.org and submit a nomination form. Anyone can nominate — you don't need to be a quilter or QOVF member.
What size must a QOV be?
Minimum 55×65 inches, maximum 72×90, ideal 60×80. Must be 100% quilting cotton, quilted (not just tied), bound, and labeled.
Can a QOV be awarded after someone dies?
No. QOVs are for living recipients only. Never posthumous, never on Memorial Day, never as a casket drape.
Is there a QOV chapter near Spokane?
Yes. The Lewis-Clark chapter (66 members) covers North Idaho and Eastern Washington. Spokane has the Garland Church group. Post Falls has the Patriotic Piecers at the Veterans Home.
Last Updated: May 2026