The following is the list of quilt categories for the 2026 CAQG Quilt Show.
There will also be Special Awards given for exemplary work in various categories.
Quilts or other items that have been entered into previous CAQG Quilt Shows are not eligible to be entered again.
Quilt Entry Rules
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, except for bags, household items and wearables
All entries must have a sewn-on label identifying the name of the entrant and name of the quilt. The names identified at entry and on the quilt/entry must be the same.
All quilts must have a sleeve for hanging (4”). Must be sewn on and edge to edge.
Maximum size of any quilt entry will be 480” perimeter (120” x 120”/10 feet x 10 feet)
Identification of the person who has quilted the quilt/entry must be identified
The person entering the quilt/entry will be the person who will win the award
Quilts/entries that require special handling will be accepted into the show at the discretion of the Quilt Show Committee
Any quilt/entry deemed unfit to hang will be removed from the show (eg - dirty, smelling like smoke, excessive loose threads, pet hair, profanities, etc)
Quilt show committee has the right to adjust categories or remove an item
Questions can be directed to the show committee at quiltshow@centralalbertaquilters.org
Quilt Entry Categories & Prizes
Please choose the best category to describe your entry.
Art Quilts
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. 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. Typically hung or mounted.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Bag
All Sizes - wallets, retreat bags, purses, backpacks, tote bags, duffle type bags.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Block of the Month or Sew Along
Any quilt pieced as a result of a group sew along, either on a schedule or not.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Child Themed Quilt
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.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Collaborative Quilt
A quilt top made by a minimum of 4 people. The quilter who assembles/pieces the top is the person who can enter the quilt. All contributors names must be on the sewn-on quilt label and the quilt show label (printed form).
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Embroidery, Applique (Machine) or Embellished
Machine embroidery or applique or machine pieced with embellished additions.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Foundation Paper/Paperless Piecing
Must be pieced using Paper or Paperless piecing. Foundation paper-piecing is when the outline of a quilt block is printed on a paper or freezer paper foundation and fabric is sewn together using the outline as a sewing guide.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Guild Challenge
Open to Guild Members only. Specific Challenge as presented to Members (2025 is the Paint Chip Challenge). Size – Max 100” perimeter
First Place $100 sponsored by: Central Alberta Quilters’ Guild
Handwork
Kwandi, Hand Piecing, English Paper Piecing (EPP), Hand Applique or Hand Embroidery. Hand sewing must be the prominent technique of the entry.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Household Items
Table runners, place mats, foot stools, potholders, etc.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Modern
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. Two sub-categories:
Small Quilt - up to 249”
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Large Quilt - 250” or larger
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Recycled fabrics/quilts (doilies, denim jeans, found and finished), Memorial Quilts, scrap quilts, T-shirt Quilts.
$100 sponsored by:
Traditional Quilt
Simple or complex quilt; they may be made of traditional blocks or of many repetitions of the same block, are usually in orderly rows.
Small Quilt - up to 249”
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Large Quilt - 250” or larger
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Wall Hangings
These are quilts made to hang on a wall for display. They can be of any size within the maximum allowable, and made using any style of quilting.
First Place $100 sponsored by:
Second Place $50 sponsored by:
Wearables
Quilted wearable items such as jackets, vests, shoes (if three layers and quilted), etc.
$100 sponsored by:
Ann Barlow Youth Quilting Awards
This category is for any quilter under the age of 18. All quilts are critiqued and ribbons are awarded to all entries.
Special Awards
Best in Show
Judges will award to the best of all first place entries in each category. The second place quilt within the category is then moved to first place in that category.
$200 sponsored by:
Domestic Machine Quilting
Quilt that has been quilted using a domestic machine, not a long arm
$100 sponsored by:
Hand Quilting
Must be at least 80% done by hand.
$100 sponsored by:
Judge’s Choice (3 ribbons)
Each judge will be able to name their own Judge’s Choice Award.
Long Arm Machine Quilting
Computer Driven Design
$100 sponsored by:
Free Hand Driven Design (must be at least 80% free hand driven)
$100 sponsored by:
Original Design
Pattern must be of the maker’s original design. Improvisational, Art Quilts, etc.
$100 sponsored by:
Precision Pieced
$100 sponsored by:
Viewers’ Choice
The Viewers’ Choice quilt is voted by the Quilt Show Attendees. The quilt with the greatest number of ballots is the winner. The winner of the ribbon is invited to post a picture of their quilt on the CQA website and to enter the quilt for display at the Guild Rosette Invitational Show at Quilt Canada.
Ribbon Sponsored by Canadian Quilters’ Association