Not a quilt judge, but I would say size matters. If you go over the size say for a dolls quilt you will be eliminated. You are normally given between size x and y. Square up. If it says hand quilt only you cannot do machine. If it says machine only likewise. Most allow mixed ie. both hand and machine. Good quality fabric 100% cotton/flannel if quilt is for a competition. If the pattern is simple you could not expect the same rating as for a difficult design. Color/ contrast is important. Even stitching. Quilting design to compliment the quilt. Binding flat and label clear