Community Quilt Project
The Community Quilt Project encourages community members of all ages to interpret what democracy means to them by designing and creating a quilt square that will be sewn together into several community quilts. The goal is to collect 250 squares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The quilt squares will be collected at the Wood County District Public Library from September 2026 through March 2027. The quilts will be assembled in April 2027. The finished quilts will be displayed throughout the area during the summer of 2027.
BGSU Center for Archival Collections will professionally archive each individual square, as well as the full quilts, during the spring of 2027. The collection will be available online, and the quilts will be stored in a climate-controlled environment after their display period is finished.
Feel free to follow the Threads of Democracy Facebook and Instagram pages, as they will have tips and ideas for the quilt project design.
The Department of History and the BGSU Center for Archival Collections reserve the right not to include any quilt squares that are submitted in the final quilts. Submitted quilt squares that are outside of the guidelines listed above may not be functionally able to be included. Any quilt squares that are explicit or derogatory in nature will not be included in the final project. Some quilt squares may appear in the final collection, but we will include notes about why the square was not included in the final quilts.
Quilt Square Design
Please read through the information about the Quilt Squares carefully. If your quilt square does not fit these specifications, we may not be able to include it in one of the final Community Quilts. If you have any specific questions, please email our Outreach Coordinator, Kristin Schnerer.
Level of Sewing Expertise
These quilt squares can be completed by anyone in the Northwest Ohio region, from novices sewists all the way up to master level quilters. There are many wonderful resources available online with simple quilt patterns as well as intricate designs. These quilt squares can be hand or machine sewn, and seams can be pressed in whichever direction you would like.
Quilt Square Specifications
Quilt squares should be 9” x 9” finished size, with ¼" seam allowance on each side. All designs for the quilt square should fit within the 9” x 9” center section. You may choose whatever design you would like, as long as the design finishes at 9” x 9.”
Fabric Choices
- Please use non-stretchy, preferably cotton fabric. A selection of coordinating fat quarters or 1/4 yard of fabric are a great place to start with your design.
- Patternned fabrics are completely acceptable, but we ask that you limit the use of large printed words in your fabric design
- Color choices are completely up to you as the quilter/community member! Choose something that represents you, your family, your community, etc.
Additional Design Notes
- Light embroidery or needlework is acceptable, but we ask that you avoid heavy or thick embroidery, as it makes it difficult to finish the quilt.
- Please do not include any 3-dimensional embellishments on your quilt square. (no sequins, glitter, buttons, etc.)
- Do not use Sharpies or markers in your design, as they will bleed over time. The design elements should be predominately done with sewing techniques.
Submitting Your Quilt Square
While you are desiging your quilt square, keep the following questions in mind. The quilt square is meant to represent your thoughts about America 250 as well as Democracy in 2026, and your design and fabric choices should reflect those thoughts.
- What does being an American mean to you, your family, and/or your community?
- What does the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence mean to you, your family, and/or your community?
- What does democracy mean to you, your family, and/or your community?
You will be asked to submit an online questionaire when you submit your quilt square. If you have trouble filling out the form, please email our Outreach Coordinator, Kristin Schnerer.
The Department of History and the BGSU Center for Archival Collections reserve the right not to include any quilt squares that are submitted in the final quilts. Submitted quilt squares that are outside of the guidelines listed above may not be functionally able to be included. Any quilt squares that are explicit or derogatory in nature will not be included in the final project. Some quilt squares may appear in the final collection, but we will include notes about why the square was not included in the final quilts.
Sample Quilt Submission
Below are sample answers for the quilt square pictured below. Your answers to these questions will be used in the description of your square in the final Threads of Democracy collection.
What does your square illustrate?
My square is an Ohio Star block pattern because that represents where I currently live. The square illustrates my thoughts about democracy in 2026 and how I am adjusting my lifestyle to the times we currently live in. My square also shows how interconnected and interdependent we are in our society.
What do you want vieweres to know about your quilt square?
Viewers should understand that this square represents my thoughts about American Democracy in 2026. I chose fabrics from my ever-growing stash, as I wanted to have my square be a sustainable use of fabric for my submission.
Explain your choices in designing and constructing your quilt square.
My square is an Ohio Star Block pattern. I used a white with gold polka-dot fabric in the corners to represent the facade that is currently decorating the White House. The blue fabric in the square has a wave-like pattern that represents the importance of water and the Great Lakes to the Northwest Ohio region. The red fabric comes out like arrows from the center, and the white webbing pattern reminded me of how connected we are in our democracy. The center square, with it's green background and plants throughout the fabric, represents the time and effort I invested this season into my backyard garde in order to have healthy and sustainable food for my family and friends.
Updated: 10/14/2026 08:30PM