How to Contribute to the AIDS Memorial Quilt
Creating Panels to Commemorate a Friend or Family Member
Dec 9, 2008
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a piece of commemorative artwork designed by the NAMES project, a group made up of the friends and families of those infected with and affected by AIDS. Since 1987, more than 44,000 panels have been contributed to the AIDS Quilt project. Anyone can contribute to the quilt by creating a commemorative panel.
Quilt panels are traditionally made by quilting groups, allowing a set of individuals to contribute to a larger project and have time to socialize. While this type of contribution is highly encouraged, individuals can also construct a quilt panel privately.
General Requirements for AIDS Memorial Quilt Panels
At minimum, the panel should include the name of the person being commemorated. If desired or appropriate, include information on the person’s birth date, date of death, or other pertinent information. Each contributed panel commemorates a single individual, though exceptions are made for spouses and siblings. It is recommended that contributor sketch out a design for the panel on paper before beginning work with the fabric.
Panels need to be made of a strong material, since the quilt is handled and folded often. A medium-weight fabric, like cotton, is recommended to ensure that the panel lasts for a long time and withstands the wear and tear of being moved. The panel should measure three feet (90 centimeters) by six feet (180 centimeters) when hemmed, and two to three inches around each edge should be allowed for hemming. Panels can be submitted to the project hemmed or unhemmed, since the project has staff available to hem panels.
Backing the panel is recommended, though not required. Since the quilt is so large, it is often displayed on the ground. This causes the panels to become dirty and stained on the bottom. Backing helps ensure that the front of the panel does not become tarnished. Backing also helps the panel maintain its shape. Since the AIDS Memorial Quilt is moved often, panels may become slightly misshapen over time.
Decorating the Quilt Panel
Contributors may decorate their quilt panel in any way they choose. Many people choose to use stencils and paint to decorate panels. The only paint that is not recommended is “puffy” paint, since it tends to stay sticky and falls off easily. Photos can easily be added by creating iron-on transfers. To use an iron-on transfer, photocopy the photo onto the transfer, then iron it onto a piece of cotton fabric. This piece of fabric can then be sewn on to the panel. The AIDS Memorial Quilt recommends that anything added to the panel be sewn on, since glue does not last as long.
Submitting the Panel to the Project
Once completed, panel are either sent to the NAMES Project Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia, or taken to a local display site. The foundation makes any small adjustments that need to be made to ensure that the panel stays in top condition and fits the size requirements. Once eight panels are collected, they are stitched together to create the blocks that are displayed. It usually takes between three and six months before finished panels begin being displayed around the United States.
When submitting a panel, contributors are asked to fill out a panel maker’s information form. This form helps the foundation better understand the person who made the panel and the person it is commemorating. This form also allows the creator to list cities that they would like to see the panel displayed in, though there is no guarantee that the panel will be displayed there.
More information on the AIDS Memorial Quilt can be found here.
