Quilt Categories

Pieced: Quilts that are 51% or more pieced, using patterns and inspiration from existing quilt history and/or expanding on patterns to create altered designs.

Appliqué: Quilts that are 51% or more appliquéd and contain fabric designs cut out of one cloth and stitched or otherwise applied to the surface of another fabric.

Art Quilts: Quilts of original design made with artistic intent that use color, design and construction techniques to create a work that expands beyond traditional quilts. An original work is composed first-hand, a fresh design or style without copying the works of others. (Refer to size classification)

1100. Miniature (refer to quilt sizes): A quilt that is scaled down (miniaturized) and bound; one which represents a full-sized quilt. If blocks are used, maximum block size is 5 inches. Includes all techniques.

1200. Novice, all sizes: This category is created for quilt makers to exhibit in a less competitive atmosphere; applies only to first three quilts completed, regardless of size or style, whether or not the quilts have ever been entered in a quilt show or other exhibit. Maker may wish quilt(s) to go in other applicable category (categories).

1300. Junior Member’s Quilts, all sizes: To qualify, the junior member must be 18 years of age or younger. All quilts entered in this category will be given a ribbon. Quilts eligible to be entered in this category may instead be entered in any of the categories appropriate for the quilt. Quilts in the Junior category are not judged. Quilts entered by Junior members in the Junior category shall be primarily the work of the entrant, but assistance by an adult is acceptable without requiring the  quilt to be entered in a multi-person category. Quilts in the Junior category may be tied.

1400. Other Techniques: All sizes, made by one or more persons. Quilts having 51% or more design elements that do not fit into other defined categories, including embroidered, cathedral window, tied, redwork, wholecloth, and others.

1500. Kit Quilts: All sizes, made by one or more persons. Quilts of any size or technique which are the work of one or more persons. Includes kits with patterns, preselected fabric of Block of the Month (BOM) from shops, mail order, magazine, or guilds which contain patterns and pre-selected fabrics. This includes pre-printed whole cloth quilts. Kit quilts are not eligible for Best of Show.

Embellished: Embellishments are the ornaments/elements that are attached to a quilt top for the express purpose of decorating, enhancing the appearance of, or giving dimension to the design and its elements. Embellishments may include (but are not limited to): buttons, beads, fabric origami, embroidery, hot-fixed crystals, yarns, trims, ribbons, yo-yo’s, and all types of thread work. Crazy quilts will be judged in this category. The quilt must draw major impact from the embellishment, not just subtle additions. Sharp, potentially dangerous, objects on these quilts are not allowed.

Modern: Modern quilts take a novel approach to traditional quilting including (but not limited to) the use of any of the following: Bold colors and prints, high contrast, graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism and negative space, modern traditionalism, alternate grid work.

Hand Quilting: These quilts showcase the quality and design of quilting done by hand. This category will be judged on the quilting only.

Special Occasion: Such as commemorative, graduation, wedding, holiday, and baby quilts.

Professional Quilter: This category is for the professional quilter and must be a member of the Guild. A professional quilter is someone who is in the business of quilting for hire. This category will be judged for quilting only. Professional Quilter quilts are not eligible for Best of Show.