Home > Utah State Fair > Compete > Quilt Challenge

Quilt Challenge

TEXTILE ARTS DEPARTMENT

2023 QUILT CHALLENGE THEME: “WHOOPSY DAISY"

Challenge Fabric

A “fat quarter” (approximately 18" x 22") of the current challenge fabric is available, on a first come, first served basis, beginning September 8, at the 2023

Utah State Fair in the Home Arts area of the Zion Building (155 North 1000 West, SLC, UT, 84116).The fabric provided is unwashed.(Suggestion: secure the raw edges, then immerse in warm water, machine dry, and press.)

Entry Information and Deadlines

Fat quarters of the challenge fabric will be sold for $2.00 during the 2023 Utah State Fair from September 7-17 in the Zion Building.
Limit:1 Quilt Challenge entry per person.
You must keep your receipt for next year!!
Quilt Challenge entries will be accepted in the Zion Building at the following times:
- 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on August 31
- 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on September 1
- 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on September 2
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 September 2, 2023.Detailed instructions for mailing and return mail are found in the Utah State Fair Living Arts Exhibitor General Rules on our website: www.utahstatefair.com Please remember to include return postage.

**Entries Released**

Date	Time
Monday, Sept. 18th	10 am - 7 pm
Tuesday, Sept. 19th	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!

Please print and bring this form to the fair!

Quilt Challenge Application

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.

Back to Textile Arts

PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES

Pieced Division

Best Use of Theme
Best Use of Challenge Fabric
Best Machine Quilting
Best Hand Quilting
Best Use of Color
Best Original Design
Best Use of a Traditional Pattern

Junior Division (under 16)

Best Use of Theme
Best Use of Challenge Fabric
Best Machine Quilting
Best Hand Quilting
Best Use of Color
Best Original Design
Best Use of a Traditional Pattern

Applique Division

Best Use of Theme
Best Use of Challenge Fabric
Best Machine Quilting
Best Hand Quilting
Best Use of Color
Best Original Design
Best Use of a Traditional Pattern

Overall

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

Combination Division

Best Use of Theme
Best Use of Challenge Fabric
Best Machine Quilting
Best Hand Quilting
Best Use of Color
Best Original Design
Best Use of a Traditional Pattern

We encourage you to enter your Quilt Challenge quilt into your local county Fair prior to entering it in the Utah State Fair. Check local county fair rules to see if there is a category you can enter.

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.

Back to Textile Arts