Quilkting for a contest
 

Hi everyone. This is my first post. I have been quilting for a while now and want to enter a quilt show soon. Where can I find a list of tips or rules for competition level quilting? What are judges looking for? What will take points off? What will earn points. I have only seen general rules for entering a quilt in a show, not things that the judges will be looking for.

Hi Patty, welcome to the board.

Quilt show judging can be very Subjective that is why there is no difinitive guide as to what judges will be looking for. A quilt may ribbon in one show and not even place an honerable mention in another. There are certain rules of thumb that could be counted against the quilt such as no cut off points, that binding should be filled and of uniform width and lay flat, that seams should run straight and intersect at the proper points, but really for the most part it is what the judge likes and appeals to him or her if the construction is done well. Some judges are sticklers for ditch quilting, others not so much.

I do not show on a national level only local. I enter a show for the fun of seeing my quilt hanging amongst all the others and never enter with any expectation of winning anything. If I do happen to place, I am delighted but if I don't, I am not disappointed as I had no expectations to begin with. I think just entering for the sheer fun of it is the best way to go about it.

Your first plan probably should be to find the information page for the particular show you want to enter. Membership is required for some show entries. Specific types of quilts are required for others. Others require that submissions be "juried" first...which means passing an entry inspection for deisgn/size/quality/etc. by sending a photo to the show committee for their acceptance. And these always have certain restrictions and rules for this juried submission.

On the internet, search for "quilt shows" or "national quilt shows" to find some near you. They usually have a page that tells you this sort of information.

Then you can study the American Quilt Society web site, The National Quilt Association, and other large quilting organizations for their suggestions for award winning quilts. Are you a local quilt guild member? Maybe their library has books on the subject. Or google "how to make award winning quilts".

Good luck with your submission!

Jan in VA

Jan in VA

I strongly encourage every quilter to enter shows.

My advice is to make the best quilt you can, one that you love. You can google to find out what judges are looking for in a prize winning quilt - mostly they are construction tips that simply indicate a well made quilt - straight lines should be straight, bindings full, quilting adequate for the quilt and batting used, quilt designs that compliment the top, etc.

Just remember that the judges aren't interested in hurting any feelings. Usually they will give you a positive comment as well as constructive criticism that you can follow or not.

Good luck!

Janet