Community Outreach
Heart Pillows
The Heart Pillows project is a meaningful community outreach initiative undertaken by the Waterloo County Quilters' Guild (WCQG) to support patients recovering from open-heart surgery at St. Mary’s General Hospital (SMGH). Originally, nurses used folded towels to help patients manage the discomfort around their chest incisions. Over time, heart-shaped pillows were introduced as a more effective solution, providing comfort when patients sneeze, cough, laugh, or attempt to stand up.
The WCQG took over this important project in February 2024, continuing the work previously done by the Elmira Quilt Guild and a group of women from the Hawkesville Mennonite Church. Each year, approximately 1,000 pillows are needed to meet the demands of the Cardiac Ward at SMGH, where about 80 pillows are distributed to patients each month.
This is a Waterloo County Quilters’ Guild sponsored outreach project.
Co-Ordinators: Joan H, Cathy J & Inge F
Heart Pillow Guidelines
Heart Pillow Requirements and Guidelines
Pillow Specifications
Size: 13 inches high, 14 inches wide.
Fabric: 100% cotton, with gender-neutral and darker colours preferred. Suitable patterns include florals, geometric designs, batiks, and fabrics with scenery. Please avoid fabrics with political, religious, violent, or commercial graphics.
Stuffing: 3.5 oz. of fibrefill, with a total finished pillow weight of 4.5 – 5 oz.
Design: Each pillow includes an appliquéd red heart on the front.
General Instructions
Cutting Fabric: Cut two pieces of fabric, each measuring 13 inches high and 14 inches wide. Ensure the direction is correct if using directional fabric.
Heart Appliqué: Use the provided heart template to cut a red heart or use the heart shape included in the kit. Appliqué the heart to the center of one fabric piece using a zigzag, buttonhole, or straight stitch.
Assembly: Place the right sides of the fabric together and sew around the pillow using a ¼ inch seam, leaving a 5-inch opening under the heart for stuffing.
Finishing: Turn the pillow right side out and press it flat. Stuff the pillow with 3.5 oz. of fibrefill, ensuring it is evenly distributed, particularly in the corners. Sew the opening shut using a whip stitch or a machine stitch.
Kits and Donations
Kits: Kits containing fabric, a red heart, and fibrefill are available at Gatherings. You can also use your own fabric and return the completed pillowcase unstuffed if preferred.
Donations: Completed pillows can be dropped off at Gatherings each month. Please return the plastic bag for reuse in new kits.
Get Involved
Your contribution to the Heart Pillows project will provide much-needed comfort to cardiac patients at SMGH. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Cathy J, Joan H, or Inge F.
Thank you for your support in making a difference in the lives of these patients.