Most shows have categories so in judging you have to pay attention to what category is. If hand quilting you look at stitch length and if stitches are spaced evenly.....It can get tricky tho because some quilts are just plain ugly but the quilting is wonderful. Some categories are machine quilting, piecing, most original, antique, baby, wall hanging, embroidered ect.. You put your quilt in right category and you could win even if it isn't the prettiest one there. I also judge embroidery and knit and crochet. Best of show is my favorite because no matter what you can all elements in making a quilt together and choose the best. usually there a about 300 quilts to judge. This will be the 4th year to do this for me.