do quilts have to be bound to enter them in a show?
 

I would love to do a dream big panel, but with a birthing method..to me that specific panel looks better without a binding. I did see one quilter that put a "facing" on hers...it was on the back of the quilt and didn't show on the front...I don't get the point of that??
Anyway..is there any rule about having to have a binding or a facing on your quilt for a show??

There are numerous ways to finish a quilt. A birthed quilt presents as a knife edge finish which is perfectly acceptable. Facing is also acceptable.

I would be more concerned with how the quilt behaves itself for you in the quilting process when birthing. Birthing tends to cause issues with the shifting while quilting, resulting in pleats or puckers either on the front or the back. But if you are confident with doing it there isn't any reason you can't.

If you have any doubts you should consult the show's rules to see if there are any rules against it. I have never seen any but there could be shows that stipulate binding finishes only.

Thanks feline!

Seconding Feline Fanatic's info.

Quilts need to be finished but how we do that is up to us. Continuous binding with the "invisible" seam and mitered corners is probably the most desired show finish but is not the only one.

I've seen many vintage style quilts with a birthed or knife edge finish and blanket stitch for example.

check the show rules--some do require binding, at least for some categories. I did a wall hanging for Christmas that I did facing--basically it's just a folded strip folded to the back and mitered. Presents a clean edge on the front. I wanted it to hang very straight so did a pocket in the top and bottom facing to insert a dowel rod.

I agree with those who responded with "check the rules".

I happen to have, in my hot little hands, the catalog/class list for Portland's NW Quilting Expo. It states "Quilt must consist of three layers, with stitching through all three layers and stitching visible on both sides." It also has rules for each category and size of quilt. There is no mention of binding in any of the rules.

Make sure you read the part about hanging sleeves, also.

I saw a log cabin quilt at a show that had a ragged binding and it won 2nd place in it's category.

Check the rules for the show you want to enter.

I think you can bind just about any way you'd like unless the rules state something specific, but I'd be nervous doing a birthing method on that particular quilt due to all the extensive quilting that is on it and how it will change where your seams lie when you're done. Myself, I would face it. It's very easy and you'd be sure to have a knife edge at the end.

Watson

It is not what edge you put on the quilt, it is how well it is done.