Giving Back is Good for the Heart & Business
Quilt shops have always had generosity stitched into their story. Whether it’s donating handmade quilts to local shelters or partnering with a national cause, giving back strengthens your community ties—and your customer loyalty.
Shops that make space for community impact build more than just sales; they create connection, belonging, and purpose. Whether you’re running a cozy storefront or managing an online-only shop, there’s a way to weave charitable efforts into your fabric offerings.
Start Local: Small Gestures, Big Impact
Giving back doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Many shops quietly support schools, shelters, or families in need with scrap bags, simple kits, or a handful of finished quilts.
In your brick-and-mortar store, consider setting up a donation drop bin, a “community quilt” project wall, or hosting a monthly charity sew-in. These low-effort events invite quilters of all skill levels to participate—no pressure to buy, just a reason to gather and give.
If you’re an e-commerce shop, highlight one cause each season and invite your customers to sew along. Share digital patterns, offer discounted bundles for donation quilts, or spotlight finished quilts sent in from across the country. You can even let customers round up their cart total for charity at checkout.
Join Forces with National Causes
Well-known organizations like Stitching Hearts Worldwide, Primary Children’s Hospital, Days for Girls, One Common Thread, Wrap the World with Quilts make it easy for your shop to plug in and do good. These programs offer name recognition and clear guidelines that simplify participation.
Build a display or webpage around your chosen cause. Include fabric suggestions, finished quilt examples, and a little “why we support this” note.
Host an Event That Matters
Whether it’s a local drive or a national campaign, events turn good intentions into meaningful action. Try a donation-based class, a quilt kit where proceeds support a charity, or a weekend sew-along in person or online.
Promotion doesn’t have to feel salesy—just keep it warm and inviting. Use signs like “Help Us Wrap Someone in Love” or a simple social post showing progress. The goal is to make kindness feel easy to join.
Every shop has the ability to make a difference—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with what feels doable and meaningful to you, then invite your customers to join in.
Here are three ways to begin:
- Choose a local or national cause to support this quarter.
- Build a small batik or basics bundle designed for donation quilting.
- Host a small event (in person or online) to bring your community together for the cause.
Kindness is contagious—and when your shop leads with heart, your customers will follow.
Industry Insight:
Cindy Cloward, Owner of Riley Blake Designs
“One of the most meaningful parts of our work at Riley Blake Designs has been participating in quilt drives that bring comfort and hope to those in need through organizations like Wrap the World with Quilts as well as grassroot efforts.
Over the years, we’ve helped support donations for families affected by the California wildfires and other devastating natural disasters. We’ve also proudly donated fabric to groups like Stitching Hearts Worldwide and One Common Thread—organizations that turn fabric into quilts for refugees, disaster victims, foster children, and others facing hard seasons.
At Riley Blake Designs, we truly believe that when shops create space for giving back, they become more than just places to buy fabric—they become places where kindness is sewn into every stitch.”
