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QUILT CHALLENGE

2025 Quilt Challenge Information

2025 QUILT CHALLENGE INORMATION/DEADLINES

Please note: You must have purchased a challenge fat quarter during the 2024 Utah State Fair in order to participate in this class.

There are no more fat quarters available for this year. You can register onsite in person during Entry drop off times listed below. Registration is $3.00.

Quilt Challenge entries will be accepted in the Zion Building at the following times:
- 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on August 28
- 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on August 29
- 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on August 30
The regular department entry fee must be paid at that time. You must bring your fabric receipt from last year when you purchased your fat quarter! Late entries will not be accepted.
Mailed quilt entries are acceptable but must arrive at the Fairpark office no later than August 30, 2025.Detailed instructions for mailing and return mail are found in the Utah State Fair Competitive Arts Exhibitor General Rules on our website: www.utahstatefair.com Please remember to include return postage.

**Entries Released**
Monday, Sept. 15th 10 am - 7 pm

Tuesday, Sept. 16th 10 am - 2 pm

General Rules – PLEASE read and follow carefully!!

Quilts must consist of three layers (fabric-batting-fabric) and be sewn together and hand or machine quilted throughout.
At least 50% of the challenge fabric MUST VISIBLY SHOW on the front of the quilt.Your quilt will not be eligible if it is determined that it does not contain enough challenge fabric. You may add as many fabrics of your choice as you wish to the quilt.
Quilts will be wall-hanging size, 18" to 24" wide by 24" to 36" long. Irregular-shaped quilts are acceptable if the overall perimeter does not exceed 120" total.
The back of the quilt will not be judged. Backing fabric is your own choice.
An identification label, including your name and the title of the quilt, must be sewn (not ironed) on the back of the quilt.
A sleeve must be added to the back of the quilt along the top, but not visible from the front of the quilt. Please include a dowel, no thicker than 3/8” in diameter and extending no more than 1” beyond each edge of the quilt. Please attach a taut string for hanging purposes. These will not be judged.
Embellishments are allowed, such as embroidery, ribbons, yarns, buttons, beads, charms, etc.
No raw edge construction! ALL edges must be turned under or finished with a tight zigzag or a tight buttonhole stitch. No reversing of fabric. No overdying. No raw edge applique’ or construction anywhere on the quilt. No tied quilts. No incomplete quilts. No framed or mounted quilts. No soiled or torn quilts. No quilts made from kits.
Your entry must be clean and free of loose threads, pet hair, etc.
Only one person may work on the quilt. No second party or professional quilting!

Please email utahstatefairqc@gmail.com with any questions or concerns you may have about the Quilt Challenge.

Thank you!

Judging and Awards

Ribbons and non-cash prizes will be awarded to winners of each class listed below.All rules listed in the Utah State Fair Living Arts Exhibitor General Rules apply and can be found on our website: www.utahstatefair.com

The prizes for this quilt challenge have been generously donated by numerous quilt/fabric shops around the state of Utah. A complete list of participating stores and their locations is also available on our website.

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Hints and Tips From Past Judges

A thin or “low loft” batt looks better in a small wall-hanging.
Try to have about the same amount of quilting spread evenly throughout the quilt.
Binding acts like a picture frame for your quilt. Carelessness with the binding detracts from the quilt.
- “Square up” your quilt sides before you add the binding or it will not hang flat.
- Use a blind stitch, not a whip stitch, when sewing on the binding. Use the same color of thread as
- The binding so your stitches will not show. Make sure the quilt and batting “fill” the binding.
- Make the binding straight and a consistent width on all sides.
If the sleeve on the back is continuous along the entire width of the quilt, tack it down so it does not show above the binding when the quilt is hung.
Be very careful and precise about sewing straight lines, pressing, removing loose threads, etc.
If you have questions, ask your local quilt shop owner for help. You may want to take a class.

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