Charity Sewing: Creature Comforts

Charity Sewing:
Creature Comforts
Sewing for Shelter Pets, 4th Wednesday of Each Month
Join host Ania and a group of fellow volunteers as we create cozy blankets and quilts for local shelter pets waiting for their forever homes. Whether you love to sew, cut, or bind, there's a role for everyone. If you'd like to sew, please bring your own sewing machine.
Can’t attend in person? Donations of fleece and flannel fabric are gratefully accepted. We prefer running yardage, but remnants at least 21" wide by width-of-fabric are also welcome. Please email julia.hipstitchabq@gmail.com with questions about donation guidelines.
Blanket Measurement Guidelines
Below are the preferred blanket sizes for three local animal shelters. These sizes are “wish list” dimensions. All sizes will be accepted, sorted, and distributed accordingly. Note: No tied fleece blankets, as they can be hazardous to pets who chew.
Animal Humane:
- Cats: Small – 22" x 22", Large – 28" x 28" (batting is okay)
- Dogs: Small – 20" x 30", Large – 26" x 40" (no batting; use flannel or fleece as inner layer)
Watermelon Mountain Ranch – Small Breed/Special Needs Pets:
- Up to 24" x 48"
- Batting allowed. Especially useful for senior pets
City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department:
- Throw sizes: approx. 40" x 50" to 50" x 60"
- No batting; fleece may be used as an inner layer
Pattern Resources & Tips
Looking for inspiration or guidance? Try the beginner-friendly Self-Binding Baby Blanket pattern.
Both single and multi-layer fleece blankets are great for beginners. Want to learn how to sew? Check out our Hip Stitch Basics class!
Skill Level: | Beginner |
Skill Details: | Confident Beginner sewing skills. If you plan to sew, please bring your own machine. We also need volunteers to press and cut fabric, sort finished blankets, etc. Want to learn to sew? Sign up for Hip Stitch Basics. |
Materials Included: | Supplies provided (donated fabric & notions, irons, ironing boards, scissors, etc) |
Requirements: | Below are the requested sizes/requirements for 3 local shelters. These sizes are “wish list” dimensions, ALL sizes will be accepted at Hip Stitch, sorted by size and then distributed to the destination shelter based on that size. Please note these are “finished” sizes; prior to sewing you will need to cut your fabrics at least an inch wider and an inch longer to allow for your seams. Unfortunately, we cannot accept "tied" fleece blankets, because they tempt the animals to chew on their blankets. Animal Humane Blanket Sizes & Requirements CATS: Large - 28"x28" ; Small - 22"x22“ (batting ok for cats) DOGS: Large - 26"x40"; Small - 20"x30" (no batting, please) No batting/stuffing in dog blankets, please. No "tied" fleece blankets. *Instead of batting/stuffing for dog blankets, you may include a middle layer that consists of a single piece of fleece or flannel. Watermelon Mountain Ranch - Small Breed Special Needs/Senior Pets Sizes up to a 24”wide x 48” long Okay to use batting inside (the small breed seniors/special needs pets tend to not be destructive to their bedding) City of ABQ Animal Welfare Dept Small to medium “Throw” sizes (from around 40” x 50” to about 50” x 60”) No batting please (you may use a piece of fleece as an inner layer) |
Instructor: | Ania Martinez |
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