How To Create A Panel For The AIDS Quilt

All kinds of people have made panels for the Quilt, in a variety of colors, fabrics, and styles. You don't have to be an artist or a sewing expert to create a moving personal tribute. It doesn't matter if you use paint or fine needlework; any remembrance is appropriate. You may choose to create a panel privately as a personal memorial to someone you've loved, but we encourage you to follow the traditions of old-fashioned sewing and quilting bees, by including friends, family, and co-workers.

Design the panel

Include the name of the friend or loved one you are remembering. Feel free to include additional information such as the dates of birth and death, and a hometown. Please limit each panel to one individual.

Choose your materials

Remember that the Quilt is folded and unfolded many times, so durability is crucial. Since glue deteriorates with time, it is best to sew things to the panel. A medium-weight, non-stretch fabric such as a cotton duck or poplin works best.

Your design can be vertical or horizontal, but the finished, hemmed panel must be 3 feet by 6 feet (90 cm x 180 cm)--no more and no less! When you cut the fabric, leave an extra 2-3 inches on each side for a hem. If you can't hem it yourself, we'll do it for you. Batting for the panels is not necessary, but backing is recommended. Backing helps to keep panels clean when they are laid out on the ground. It also helps retain the shape of the fabric.

Create the panel

To construct your panel you might want to use some of the following techniques:

• Applique: Sew fabric, letters and small mementos onto the background fabric. Do not rely on glue. It won't last.
• Paint: Brush on textile paint or color-fast dye, or use an indelible ink pen. Please don't use "puffy" paint; it's too sticky.
• Stencil: Trace your design onto the fabric with a pencil, lift the stencil, then use a brush to apply textile paint or indelible markers.
• Collage: Make sure that whatever materials you add to the panel won't tear the fabric (avoid glass and sequins for this reason), and be sure to avoid very bulky objects.
• Photos: The best way to include photos or letters is to photocopy them onto iron-on transfers, iron them onto 100% cotton fabric and sew that fabric to the panel. You may also put the photo in clear plastic vinyl and sew it to the panel (off-center so it avoids the fold).

Write us a letter

Please take the time to write a one-or two-page letter about the person you've remembered. The letter might include your relationship to him/her, how he or she would like to be remembered, and a favorite memory. If possible, please send us a photograph along with the letter for our archives.

Make a donation

If you are able, please make a donation to help pay for the cost of adding your panel to the Quilt. The NAMES Project Foundation depends on the support of panelmakers to preserve the Quilt and keep it on display. A gift of any amount is welcome. Gifts of $250 or more will be acknowledged in our annual report.

Fill out the panelmaker information form

This provides us with vital information about you and your panel. Apply on-line.

Send Us the Panel

Once your panel is completed there are several ways to turn it in to the NAMES Project, so that it becomes a part of the whole.

Visit the national AIDS Memorial Quilt website or contact Names Project South Florida at 954-565-1079.