Check and RECHECK your blanket carefully for straight pins. They pose a huge hazard to blanket recipients. We suggest using quilting pins with large heads so they are easily found and removed from the blankets.
Make blankets from NEW, CLEAN, WASHABLE materials in infant, child or teen friendly colors. Remember these blankets are meant to be colorful, cheerful and cuddly.
Crochet, knit, quilt your blankets. Can crochet around the edge on fleece. Please no fringe on blankets; it is a choking hazard.
Make blankets from cotton fabric, flannel, fleece or acrylic yarn.
For fleece blankets, please SINGLE layer only. We have very few recipient locations that can use double-layer fleece. Please remove selvage before the blanket is tabbed. (See instructions.)
Secure batting into outer seams and if the blanket is tied, please anchor it every 4-6 inches, cutting ties to 1 inch or less in length. Do not use yarn ties.
Weave all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted blankets.
When complete, all blankets should be washed using only “free and clear” laundry products. If leaving blankets at a drop-off site, please indicate your blankets have been washed according to specifications.
Each time you donate blankets, please provide your name and address, phone number and email address so that we may acknowledge your donation.
Don'ts...
NEW: Don't make your blankets out of chunky blanket yarn. The blankets become too heavy for children and the stitches are not tight enough to prevent little fingers and toes, or IV tubing, from getting caught.
... make your blankets out of tapestry, burlap, upholstery fabric, 70’s type double knit, felt, vinyl, wool, or wool yarn. These are not washable nor practical material for a blanket.
... make flannel rag quilts. The lose fibers, even after laundering, pose a choking hazard.
... attach buttons or decorative items to a blanket. They can be a choking hazard.
... use thick fabric paint on the surface of your blanket. Use ONLY permanent fabric markers made specifically for fabric when coloring on muslin.
... use fabric that has been stored in a damp area and has a musty smell. The mold spores can cause an allergic reaction in a child and are very difficult to remove from the fabric.
