Quilt Contests

Have you ever wondered about sending in a quilt for a judged or juried show?

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Filed under: Quilting

Venus Fly Trap Mambo by Naomi Chernoff

Here are a few important points to know for quilt contests.

Is the show a juried show or a judged show? A juried show accepts submissions for consideration then exhibits a portion of those submitted. A judged show exhibits all submissions.
The No. 1 rule — have your quilt appraised and insured before sending it off.

Peswara won Best of Show in the Innovations category at Quilts=Art=Quilts in Auburn, N.Y.

Quilts=Art=Quilts judge Genie Barnes says first impressions can be critical and visual elements are key here. Are the curves as curved as they should be? Are the points as pointed as they should be, etc.? These elements offer opportunity for judge and quilter as important teaching critiques and give quilters feedback about their strengths and the areas in which they can grow in quilting.

Read all the instructions for the particular show, and follow the instructions for entry precisely. Besides a label dating the quilt with the quiltmaker's name, add a second label with telephone number and other contact information in case your entry gets separated from its paperwork, advises quilter Jean Biddick.

While a plastic bag should never be used to store a quilt, it's perfect for shipping them.

Expert Alex Anderson adds this tidbit — when shipping your quilt for a show or any other reason, ship it in a clear plastic bag. While not suitable for storage, plastic can protect a quilt during shipping. It’s very important to use a clear bag so the quilt isn’t mistaken for trash.

Anyone who enters a quilt in a contest is a winner, just by virtue of having entered. "The most exciting thing, in a sense, is really to be just part of the show," says first-time exhibitor and quiltmaker Naomi Chernoff.