Quilt Entry Rules

  • Show entries by CAQG members only. Must be member in good standing on November 1, 2026

  • Members may enter a maximum of 5 entries PLUS the Show Challenge

  • Show is limiting entries to 300 Adult entries plus Youth entries

  • For the 2027 Show, quilt entry opens at 8AM on February 1 and closes at 8AM April 1.

  • A 4 X 6 photo of the quilt front must be submitted for each entry. Submit a photo of the quilt back for quilts considered for display on both sides. Hard copies of photos to be submitted to the quilt show committee by April 1.

  • Some of your quilts/entries may fit into more than one category but only one category can be chosen on the entry form, choose the one category that fits the best.

  • All entries must be at least three layers and quilted, except for bags, household items and Cathedral quilts. 

  • All entries must have a sewn-on label identifying the name of the entrant and the name of the quilt. The names identified at entry and on the quilt/entry must be the same. Any differences will be identified at intake and quilts not accepted into the show. The quilt label is to be attached to the lower right hand corner on the back of the quilt NOT on the sleeve.

  • All quilts 41 inches in width or wider MUST have a sleeve for hanging (4”). Must be within one half inch of quilt sides and sewn on. 

  • Maximum size of any quilt entry will be 440 inches perimeter (110” x 110”)

  • Identification of the person who has quilted the quilt/entry must be identified on the entry form

  • The person entering the quilt/entry will be the person who will win the award

  • No special handling will be offered

  • Any quilt/entry deemed unfit to hang will be removed from the show (eg - dirty, smelling like smoke or perfumes, excessive loose threads, pet hair, profanities, political, etc)

  • Quilt show committee has the right to adjust categories or remove an item

  • Quilts or other items that have been entered into previous CAQG Quilt Shows are not eligible to be entered again.

  • Questions can be directed to the show committee at quiltshow@centralalbertaquilters.org

 

Quilt Categories

  • o   A creative, stitched and layered textile artwork created using both modern and traditional quilting techniques as a non-utilitarian visual art object rather than for practical use. Emphasis on design rather than function.

    o   A unique expression of the maker’s ideas or emotions, and innovative use of materials and techniques based on a pattern or the maker’s own design

    o   Typically hung or mounted

    • All sizes e.g. - wallets, retreat bags, purses, backpacks, tote bags, duffle type bags

    • Any quilt pieced with a  group sew along, either on a schedule or not 

    • Guild led initiatives will have their own category

    • Must be made using child themed fabric and/or a child themed design or motif

    • Can be any size not exceeding the maximum allowable size

    • Machine Embroidery or Applique

    • Machine Pieced with embellished additions

  • Must be pieced using Paper or Paperless piecing

    • Open to all Guild Members as per participation in Program initiatives

    • For 2027 - Mystery Quilt (Spool of Thread mystery, clues ended June 2026) and Improv (Bee ending December 2026)

    • Kwandi, Hand Piecing, English Paper Piecing (EPP), Hand Applique and Hand Embroidery

    • Hand sewing must be the main and prominent technique of the entry representing 80% or more of the stitching

  • Household items such as: table runners, placemats, foot stools, wall hangings,  potholders, etc

    • Small scale replica of a standard quilt featuring quilt blocks measuring 4 inches or less

    • Every element - including piecing, print size and quilting detail - is scaled down proportionally

    • Size – Max 80” perimeter

    • Modern quilts generally rely less on rules and order; they are often asymmetrical, and are made of a minimalist design. Entry into this category is based more on the pattern than the fabric used. Can be functional but with strong visual aesthetics, creative use of negative space from a pattern or the maker's own design.

    • Will be divided into two sub categories: Small and large at the discretion of the Show Committee (2 ribbons each category  - 1st - $100, 2nd - $50)

    • Recycled fabrics/quilts (dollies, denim jeans, etc), found and finished, Memorial quilts, T-shirt quilts, scrap quilts

    • Simple or complex quilt; they may be made of traditional blocks or of many repetitions of the same block

    • Are usually in orderly rows.

    • Will be divided into three sub categories: Small, Medium and Large at the discretion of the Show Committee (2 ribbons each category  - 1st - $100, 2nd - $50)

    • Open to all Guild Members 

    • Specific Challenge as presented to Members 

    • Details to be released

    • Quilt made to hang on a wall for display

    • Can be any size (within the maximum allowed)

    • Can be made with any style quilting technique

    • This category is for any quilter under the age of 18 residing within the Guild boundaries or a Youth quilter related to a Guild member

    • All quilts are judged and ribbons are awarded to all entries

 

Special Awards

    • Judges award to the best of all first place entries in each category

    • The second place quilt within that category is then moved to first place in that category

    • quilting must be at least 80% hand work

    • Computer Driven Design (1 ribbon - $100.00)

    • Free Hand Driven Design (must be at least 80% free hand driven) (1 ribbon - $100.00)

    • Quilt that has been quilted using a domestic machine, not a long arm

    • Computer Driven Design, possibly using a hoop (1 ribbon - $100.00)

    • Free Hand Driven Design (must be at least 80% free hand driven) (1 ribbon - $100.00)

  • Pattern must be of the makers original design

  • Each Judge will be able to name their own Judges Choice award