Quilt Challenge

• Quilt Challenge entries will be accepted in the Zion Building at the following times:
  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on September 3rd
  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on September 4th
  • 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on September 5th
• Department entry fee is $3.00 for Both Adult and Junior entries.
• 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, 2026.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.

• 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!

• Ribbons and Awards will be given 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
  • Danish judging Rules: The judging process is based upon established standards of quality for each type of product. In this system, each exhibit is judged according to how well it meets those standards rather than how it compares with the other exhibits.

• The Ribbons and Awards for this quilt challenge will be provided by the Utah State Fair.

Pieced Division

• Best Use of Theme
• Best Use of Challenge Fabric
• Best Machine Quilting
• Best Hand Quilting
• Best Original Design
• Best Use of Color
• Best Use of Traditional Patterns

Junior Division (17& under)

• Best Use of Theme
• Best Use of Challenge Fabric
• Best Machine Quilting
• Best Hand Quilting
• Best Original Design
• Best Use of Color
• Best Use of Traditional Patterns

Applique Division

• Best Use of Theme
• Best Use of Challenge Fabric
• Best Machine Quilting
• Best Hand Quilting
• Best Original Design
• Best Use of Color
• Best Use of Traditional Patterns

Overall (will receive Prizes and Premiums)

• Best of Show
• Judges’ Choice
• Peoples Choice(voted on by fair attendees)

Combination Division

• Best Use of Theme
• Best Use of Challenge Fabric
• Best Machine Quilting
• Best Hand Quilting
• Best Original Design
• Best Use of Color
• Best Use of Traditional Patterns