I'm thinking of entering a few quilts as judged entries in the local guild's show next Spring. I know that a certain percentage of the judging is given for different aspects of the presented piece.

Does anyone know, generally, what judges look for and what are some good tips so that a quilt may be considered as a top candidate?

I help with the county fair quilts. I listen to the judges while they pick the winners. They always check the binding first, then the quilting.

It must hang straight, with even quilting throughout.

No chopped off points, clean intersections. Must have a label and hanging sleeve, depending on the show.

intersections meet!

also they look at the quilting!

They want the binding at the corners to be sewn down at the diagonal turnings. and the borders to match the quilt pattern.

balanced quilting, visual impact, use of color and creativity. binding needs to be full to the edges. straight, squared, edges not rippled/wavy. borders proportionate to the center of the quilt. even stitches.
they see the visual impact of the quilt first just like we all do, then they start measuring and checking out the technique, and quality of workmanship. make sure you follow any rules such as size, hanging sleeve guidelines (if required) appliques need to be attached well (as with any embellishments)
the judges write up a little report on each quilt even if you do not win any ribbons their criticism is invaluable, read it and look over your quilts and learn, never take it personal...they are not making personal judgements, they do not even know who's quilt they are judging.

The National Quilting Associatiion website has lots of information on judging criteria.
http://nqaquilts.org/judges/judges-about.php
http://nqaquilts.org/judges/judges-faq.php
Although local shows (quild, county fair, 4-H, etc) may differ slightly, it can't hurt to aim high. Most show committees will let you know in advance what the quilts will be judged on and if you Google quilt judging criteria, you will find a wealth of additiiional information online.

One thing I also remember from helping at local fairs is as someone mentioned, even quilting throughout and there should be no space bigger than the palm of your hand unquilted.

Great info!! Thanks!

They also look HARD for stops and starts! If you use a busy backing this will help disguise some of that.

I scribed for a judge last August. She had a real pet peeve about all over quilting that didn't add to the design of the quilt. She said that the quilting is a design element and that meandering is becoming so frequent and often times does not lend to the overall design of the quilt. Of course, that was the opinion of one judge. She also looked for the quilt to be square and bindings to be full.

Really? Boy they sure wouldn't like mine. I quilt on my home machine, no mid or long arm. I have to stop and start ALOT....lol
This is a neat thread. Lots of interesting info in case I ever decide to enter a quilt.
Thanks

Depends on the judges too. I enter my hand pieced, hand quilted Texas Lone Star at our show last year and got a page back with it showing either a check- or check +. I know my quilts need work, not a professinal, but I actually got a check + on everything but the binding. LOL I knew that was coming. I probably deserved less than the check-.ROFL. IMHO they were very nice to me. My first quitl show too. NO big prize but it was exciting to see my quilt there.

If you go to Granburyquiltersguild.com at the top of the first page on the left is my Texas Lone Star quilt. I even stippled the corners by handstitching. I don't know how to transfer it to this site. Still learning. HAHA> IF anyone can go and "fetch" it and bring it here. I would love to show it off.

I'll put the link to it here.
http://www.granburyquiltersguild.com...-quilts-1.html
Very pretty quilt, BTW.
I love lone stars.

Debbie U - Nice job!!! Thanks for sharing!

Wow!! This is beautiful! I think you did great!

You did a wonderful job. I love your work.

Trueimage---
How'd you get the image to show in the message instead of a link?
(can you tell I'm computer-challenged?) :-)

I went to this link: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-429-1.htm

First I replied quote to your message. It took me to the reply page where there is an option to choose a file from your computer to attach. First I had to save your photo to my computer in order to upload it here. After I attached your photo, I just clicked send and your photo was posted! If you are still unsure after reading the steps in the link, let me know and I'll try to help you. Can't wait until I can post an awesome picture too!!!!

Thanks for the directions. I never could figure it out.
And I want to point out that the quilt isn't mine.
I wish it were!!

Oh sorry! Do you understand how to post a pic now? I'm new to quilting and hope to acquire just a some of the talent I've seen here! I'm ok with techy stuff....but just a babe at quilting! haha

Yes thanks!