coopah

The response is long...didn't know how else to give a good explanation.
I can only speak for how my church does the prayer quilts. Folks in the congregation make the quilts in different sizes for babies, children, and adults. The quilt is made with three layers and bound. Then several long strands of embroidery thread are looped through the quilt in many places and left hanging. During a Sunday church service, the quilt is presented to the congregation with instruction on who it's going to and a prayer is said from the pulpit for the quilt and the recipient. After the service, people go up front where the quilt is displayed and tie a knot in the threads that are hanging while saying a prayer for the recipient. There is a spiral bound book beside the quilt that explains the quilt ministry, the date of the service, and people who tie a knot sign the book. That way the recipient has the knowledge of all the people praying about their need(s). These quilts must be requested to ensure that the recipient is aware that their situation will be made public. The quilt and book are left in the sanctuary for a week so that anyone who missed on Sunday can come during the week to tie and sign.
We have 12 shut-ins and they have all been asked if they want a quilt. Some did and some didn't. As of this past Thursday, there were more than 12 quilts ready to go! We only dedicate one at a time to keep it meaningful. Once the quilt is given, people use them at home or take to chemo, or however they wish. Our first quilt went to a new widow who has been in the congregation for years. We've only been doing this since May.
Another thing we are doing is making mini-pocket 'quilts.' They aren't three layers, but the front has a prayer printed on the fabric and the back is a quilt block. Inside is a small wooden cross. These are small so people who need comfort can easily carry them with them. Some people would rather have the small 'quilt.' This part is new to me, as we've been on vacation, so I'm not sure how those are given.