Originally Posted by
Holice
Let me correct a misunderstanding. Machine binding is accepted in show quilts. It is judged with the same standards as hand binding.
I guess I am from the OLD school of quilting so please forgive me if I sound too blunt. I don't think any organization or show (except for larger shows who require photo submission) will state you can't enter your quilts but there are standards of which most quilting judges use. There are standards for equestrians and breeds of dogs also have specific standards.
I actively participated in many quilt competition in my earlier days and won many ribbons. This was when many people frown on a quilt being machine quilted. I have had my quilts judge by both F&P and Pat Magaret & Donna Slussser (large quilt shows). Now that I am disable, many of my charity quilt bindings are done by others by machine which makes me cringe. I don't mean to judge anybody, but I have never seen a quilt with machine top stitch binding that looks as nice and professional as hand stitch the binding on the back. I was surprised and delighted when TWICE I won Best of Show over hand quilted quilts. Applique quilts will also more often win over a pieced quilt. I agree with Peckish. Find someone who can do the hand stitching. You might just want to try to do hand stitching on a small wall quilt. I use to be able to hand stitch 5 feet in an hour. Try doing it when watching TV. Make sure that your miter corners are perfect!! I also learn thru competition to cut my binding 2.25" wide for a nice tight firm binding.
But inclosing, BE READY because sometimes the judges can be quite blunt with their comments on your entry card. Good Luck !!