Make a Panel For The Quilt

You don't have to be an artist or sewing expert to create a moving personal tribute remembering a life lost to AIDS, but you do have to make a panel in order to add a name to the Quilt. It's not as complicated as many people think, though. It doesn't matter if you use paint or fine needlework, iron-on transfers or hand made appliques, or even spray paint on a sheet; any remembrance is appropriate. (This is however the only way to have a name added to The Quilt- by making a panel to remember your lost loved one.)

You may choose to create a panel privately as a personal memorial or you may choose to follow the traditions of old-fashioned quilting bees by including friends, family, and co-workers. That choice, like virtually everything else involved in making a panel, is completely up to you.

Here in a few easy steps is how to create a panel for the Quilt:

Design the panel

Include the name of the person you are remembering. Feel free to include additional information such as the dates of birth and death, hometown, special talents, etc. We ask that you please limit each panel to one individual (obvious exceptions include siblings or spouses).

Choose your materials

Remember that the Quilt is folded and unfolded every time it is displayed, 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

In constructing 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.
• Stencils: 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 letter about the person you've remembered. The letter might include your relationship to him or 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 panel makers to preserve the Quilt and keep it on display.

Gifts of any amount are welcome and greatly appreciated.

Fill out the panel maker information form

This provides us with vital information about you and your panel. Click here to print out a copy of the form.

(You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have it, click to download it free from Adobe. ) If you have any trouble downloading this file, email us and we'll send you an information card by U.S. mail. Please be sure to include your name and mailing address and request a "Panel Maker Info Card" from info@aidsquilt.org

Send Us the Panel

Once your panel is completed there are several ways you can submit it to the NAMES Project so that it becomes a part of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Click here for more information on how to submit your panel.

"How To Make A Panel" Brochure

The NAMES Project Foundation has produced a 2 page standard letter-sized brochure which includes all of the necessary information for panel makers. Feel free to print a copy for your own reference, or for use at a display of the Quilt or sewing bee! (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't have it, click the "Acrobat" button above to download it free from Adobe.)

• "How To Make A Panel"
• En Español: "Como Crear Un Panel".