The Power of a Handmade Quilt
When a child enters foster care, they often arrive with nothing but the clothes on their back. I know this firsthand because I was one of those children. At 15 years old, I - along with my siblings - entered the foster care system, Each of us had only a couple of outfits—no toys, no personal belongings, nothing that truly felt like mine.
At a time when everything in my life felt uncertain, having something uniquely mine—a handmade quilt, for example—would have meant the world to me. Not just because it was warm and comforting, but because it would have been something I could carry with me, a reminder that I mattered to someone. That kind of gift is priceless to a child who feels invisible.
Most children in foster care come from underprivileged families. They often don’t have many material possessions to begin with, and when they are removed from their homes, they usually leave with little to nothing. That’s why organizations like Comfort Cases are so important. They provide children with essential items—and quilts—that remind them they are valued, loved, and not forgotten. And…this year, I have a perfect opportunity for you to join in! My friend, Stacey, from Stacey Lee Creative, is hosting a month long quilt donation drive - and you can learn more how to get involved here!
Coming Full Circle
As an adult, I experienced the power of a handmade quilt again, but this time as a parent. My stepson, Justice, was severely injured in a fire accident and spent months recovering at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Boston. During Christmas, Shriners gave each of our children—not just Justice—a gift bag filled with thoughtful items. One of those gifts was a handmade quilt.
That simple, heartfelt gesture touched me deeply. In that moment, I understood firsthand what it meant to receive something made with love—something meant to comfort in a time of pain and uncertainty. It reinforced my belief in the power of handmade quilts to provide warmth, security, and a sense of belonging.
How You Can Help: Make a Quilt for a Child in Need
Quilters are some of the most generous people I know, and I encourage everyone who can to make and donate a quilt to a child in foster care. But I also understand that time is a factor. Life is busy, and while many of us would love to create something intricate and detailed, the reality is that we need quick yet beautiful projects.
Here are some tips to help you make a quilt that’s both fast and meaningful:
1. Choose an Easy Pattern You’re Comfortable With
Stick with a pattern you’ve made before and know well. Simple block-based patterns—like rail fence, disappearing nine-patch, or large half-square triangles—come together quickly and look stunning with the right fabric choices.
2. Use Precuts to Save Time
Precut fabric bundles (like jelly rolls, layer cakes, or charm packs) eliminate the need for selecting and cutting individual pieces, saving you hours of work. Many quilt patterns are designed specifically for precuts, making the process even faster.
3. Try Chain Piecing
Instead of sewing one block at a time, sew multiple pieces in a continuous chain. This technique speeds up the piecing process and minimizes thread waste.
4. Use Larger Blocks
The bigger the blocks, the fewer seams you’ll need to sew. A quilt made with 10” squares or 12”+ blocks comes together much faster than one with smaller patchwork pieces.
5. Strip Piecing for Efficiency
Rather than cutting individual squares, sew long fabric strips together first, then cut them into units. This technique is great for quilts with repeated patterns and speeds up assembly significantly.
6. Opt for Simple Quilting
An allover quilting design—like straight-line quilting, stippling, or meandering—is faster to stitch than intricate custom quilting. Plus, it still adds texture and durability.
7. Consider Cuddle or Fleece for Backing
If you’re short on time, backing your quilt with cuddle fabric or fleece instead of batting and a traditional cotton backing can cut your quilting time down while making the quilt extra cozy.
Your Quilt Will Make a Difference
Every quilt donated to a child in foster care is more than just fabric and stitches—it’s a symbol of love, care, and hope. It’s a gift that tells a child: You are seen. You are valued. You are worthy of comfort and warmth.
If you’ve been looking for a way to use your quilting skills for a good cause, I encourage you to make a quilt for Comfort Cases. Your generosity can bring warmth—not just physically, but emotionally—to a child who needs it most.
Let’s come together as a quilting community and make a difference, one stitch at a time.
Are you making a quilt for donation? I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media. Let’s inspire others to give the gift of comfort!