Donation Guidelines

How to Donate

Drop off your donation at one of the times listed below. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Please review and follow the “what we accept” and “what we don’t accept” sections below.

  • Please bring items to TAC in bags. No cardboard boxes. No loose items.

  • Please pre-sort items into the following categories and label each bag with the category it contains:

    • Fabric

    • Yarn

    • Needlework

    • Sewing notions and tools

    • Yarn, knitting, crochet, weaving, and needlework notions and tools

    • Books

    • Patterns (separate patterns for garments, quilts, knitting, and other crafts)

    • Other categories, as applicable

When to donate

We will accept donations at TAC on the following upcoming date(s):

  • Saturday, September 27, 10am-2pm

  • Saturday, October 11, 10am-2pm

What we accept

We can accept any and all items relating to the fiber arts and needlecraft, including materials, tools, patterns, books, and equipment. 

  • Basketry Supplies

  • Batting

  • Beads

  • Books: All fiber art topics and techniques

  • Dye Supplies: ONLY if unopened and less than a year old: dyes, paints, pigments, dye and surface design chemicals

  • Fabric: Fabric must be larger than a “fat quarter” or a ¼-yard cut that measures roughly 18 x 21. Mark yardage and fiber content, if known. NOTE: WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING ANY UPHOLSTERY FABRIC AT THIS TIME.

  • Global Textiles

  • Kits

  • Knitting Machines: In working condition. Please include cords.

  • Looms: Floor and table looms, in working condition, with all parts. NOTE: WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING ANY LOOMS AT THIS TIME.

  • Needlework: Canvas, needlework tools, embroidery floss & materials

  • Notions: Buttons, zippers, trims, ribbons, threads, embellishments, sewing needles, etc.

  • Papermaking Tools and Equipment

  • Roving

  • Sewing Patterns

  • Sewing Machines: In working condition. Please include bobbins, pedals, and cords. NOTE: WE CANNOT ACCEPT SEWING MACHINES IN CABINETS.

  • Spinning Wheels 

  • Stamps

  • Tools: Small hand tools such as crochet and rug hooks, knitting needles, hoops, scissors, cutting mats, rulers

  • Unfinished Projects: knitting, sewing, quilts, kits, etc.

  • Vintage Fabrics and Trims

  • Yarn: Skeins, balls, and cones. All yarn types. Label with fiber content, if known.

What we don’t accept

  • Fabric scraps (Fabric must be larger than a “fat quarter” or a ¼-yard cut that measures roughly 18 x 21)

  • Magazines

  • Dirty, moldy, or smoke-damaged items

  • Fabrics with any strong odors

  • Broken/non-working/incomplete machines or tools

  • Finished goods (draperies, curtains, tablecloths, bed linens, etc.)

  • Clothing

Special materials we’re currently accepting

  • Wool and wool-blend sweaters on behalf of Pantry Partners of Dane County, formerly known as ReMitts. Pantry Partners takes sweaters in any condition—stained, moth-holed, torn—no problem! Volunteers turn old sweaters—donated by area community members—into beautiful, warm mittens and dryer balls, which are donated to local food pantries for fundraising. 

  • Blizzard Fleece on behalf of the Hat Ladies who sew and donate warm winter hats. The Hat Ladies is an all-volunteer group who have sewn winter polar fleece hats for those in need in our greater Madison Community (and beyond!) for over 27 years. Recipients include every Head Start child in Dane County, MMSD elementary school students, Salvation Army programs, and many smaller local programs serving families and children. To date, the Hat Ladies have made over 115,600 winter hats.

Questions? Contact us.

The Textile Arts Center of Madison is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Charitable contribution receipts are available upon request.