Competition Categories and Prizes

Fine Art Quilt Masters 2018 is a juried competition that is open to all. Judged by a panel of leading figures drawn from the art and quilting worlds, the shortlisted works will be presented in a distinct gallery within the Festival of Quilts 2018. The aim is to celebrate those quilts that transcend craft and demand equal billing with work shown in an art gallery.

All textile techniques may be employed, from simple quilting or patchwork to fabric printing, embroidery and creative mixed-media. Judges will be looking for a fully-resolved composition and powerful artistic impression. Abstract and figurative pieces are equally welcome. Must be an original design.

Prize £5000.

Find out more about Fine Art Quilt Masters here.

This category is open to all members of The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles and all European Guilds which are part of the European Quilt Association. The theme can be interpreted literally, metaphorically, poetically - as widely as the maker wishes.
Quilts should reflect the theme for 2018: 'Stitch(ing) through time'.
1st Prize:   £1,500.00
2nd Prize:  £750.00
3rd Prize:   £250.00

Entrants to this category should have been quilting for fewer than three years. Pieces entered into this category should have been completed within the last 2 years and must not have been previously exhibited as part of any event, exhibition or gallery. Entrants for this new category should not hold a formal qualification in a textiles or related subject.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

Quilts with both a strong visual impact and a high quality of execution designed to be displayed as artwork and communicating an idea, emotion or concept through the medium of textile and stitch.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

Quilts that draw on the traditions of quilt making, through piecing, appliqué or wholecloth, but have an original approach. Makers may use non-traditional fabrics, fabric printing and dyeing, embellishment and unusual construction methods. Quilts should have an original design and demonstrate sure use of colour. They may be sewn by hand, machine or any combination.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

For quilts using a traditional design or pattern. Quilts may be wholecloth, pieced and quilted, appliqué and quilted, or a combination of piecing, appliqué and quilting. Quilting may be hand, machine or a combination.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

For quilts that are functional, minimalist and inspired by modern design. Bold colours and modern prints may be used , as well as areas of neutral colour to provide 'negative space'. Modern quilts often use asymmetry in design, improvisational piecing, the re-interpretation of traditional blocks or the lack of visible block structure. They are generally simply quilted with lines of stitching or grid patterns.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

A single quilt made by more than two makers. Please note all 3D work should be entered into the Quilt Creations category.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

For quilts made by two makers using any technique, to include quilting (hand, machine, long-arm or a combination). Participants must declare whether their quilt is the result of pure collaboration or was professionally long armed. The services of the same professional quilter may be used by more than one entrant in this category.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

Quilts depicting a scene or subject eg: people, animal, flowers etc. as the main body of the quilt. A figurative or representational piece.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

Maximum size of 30cms on the longest side. Use any technique or combination of techniques. In a photo of the finished piece (with no indication of scale) the miniature should look like a full size quilt or wall hanging.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

All entries in this category must qualify as clothing, wearable art or three dimensional pieces. 3D items (this does not include double sided quilts) must have length, breadth and depth. This can be made by an individual or a group.
1st Prize: £1000.00
2nd Prize: £500.00
3rd Prize: £250.00

THEME for 2018: 'Stitch(ing) through time'

Quilts of any size, using any technique, made by young quilters / embroiderers, in the following age ranges:
a) 5 - 9 yrs
b) 10 - 13 yrs
c) 14 - 18 yrs
Please note that all correspondence about the entry in this category (including labels) will be addressed to the parent / carer of the child.

THEME for 2018: ‘Stitch(ing) through time’.

Quilts of any size, using any technique, made by school children or groups of children, in the following categories:
a) Primary School / Young Quilter Groups (ages 5 - 11)
b) Secondary School / Young Quilter Groups (ages 12 - 16)
If the children in the group span these age groups, please go with the age range of the majority.

This category is for quilts that replicate the 1718 Coverlet. Quilts can be full or partial reproduction pieces replicating the blocks and designs used in the original 1718 Coverlet: either follow the design and templates exactly, or interpret the elements to suit your individual design whilst keeping the spirit of the original piece. We apologise that due to limited space we may not be able to hang all entries. We intend to confirm whether or not we are able to hang your piece by mid-June 2018. If your entry is not successful you will be refunded.

This one-off category will have one first prize winner only. The prize will be a private viewing of the original 1718 Silk Patchwork Coverlet at St. Anthony's Hall, York (valid for 2 people) during 2019, and a 1718-related goody bag.

All the winning quilts will be automatically entered into the Best In Show category judged by a panel of top quilters. The Winner of the Handi Quilter Best In Show will win an additional £2000.