Rules and Terms of Entry

The Festival of Quilts competition has fifteen (15) main categories – details of which can be found here.

In addition to the specific requirements for each category (as set out on the relevant category competition page), the following rules and regulations apply.

Quilt Definition

The structure of a quilt traditionally has three complete layers, but a minimum of two complete layers may be appropriate. These layers must be pierced and joined together by stitch. Other joining elements may be added.

Mission Statement:

The Festival of Quilts’ mission is to foster and celebrate the creativity of individual artists on an international stage, providing a space for artists to express their unique perspectives and visions without being confined by national affiliations or political ideologies.

We recognise and respect the diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints within our creative community.  In view of this, the FOQ competition is inclusive and welcomes makers of all abilities and backgrounds from all over the world. It is important to emphasise that artists who take part do so as independent artists and that they do not stand as representatives of their country or flag.  FOQ does not discriminate against artists’ participation based on their religion, nationality, race, gender or identity, however, the Festival of Quilts must operate within the rules and regulations of the United Kingdom. If we are unable to provide a cash prize to a winner, the cash prize will be donated to a charity of the Organiser’s choice. 

  1. Entry Criteria

1.1 This competition is open to individuals aged 18 years or older, including individuals acting on behalf of a younger individual or a group, but excluding the Organiser’s employees, contractors, or anyone connected with the competition (or their direct family members).

1.2 To enter the competition, an entrant must complete and submit the entry form (available here), and pay the applicable entry fees, by 23:59 (GMT) on 12 June 2024. Entry forms received after this deadline will not be accepted.

1.3 Postal Entries: All competition pieces delivered by post must arrive at Bill Bowden Event Logistics Ltd, 4 Dickens Close, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1SE by 23:59 on 15th July 2024. Postal entries received after this time may not be accepted.

1.4 Hand-delivered Entries: All competition pieces delivered by hand must be dropped off at Bill Bowden Event Logistics Ltd, 4 Dickens Close, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1SE between 1st and 15th July 2024. Please see Getting Your Quilt to us for hours of service. Hand-delivered entries received outside of this timeframe may not be accepted.

1.5 There is no limit on the number of categories that may be entered by an entrant.

1.6 Only two (2) pieces may be entered per category.

1.7 Once an entry form has been submitted, entrants cannot change or amend their chosen category (or categories). Where a genuine selection error has occurred before the 19th of June 2024, an entrant may be able to change their selection (subject to the discretion of the Organiser).

1.8 Pieces that have been submitted to third-party exhibitions or local shows can be submitted to this competition (even where such piece won a prize).

1.9 If a piece has been submitted to a previous edition of The Festival of Quilts competition, it cannot be resubmitted into this competition.

1.10 Entrants must acknowledge (under the ‘Technique’ or ‘Inspiration’ section on the entry form) if their quilt features a ‘work of art’ or utilises an image or photograph created by someone other than the maker.

1.11 Entrants must acknowledge (under the ‘Technique’ section on the entry form) processes outsourced to third parties (for example, large-scale digital printing, laser cutting and fabric printing).

1.12 Entrants must state (under ‘Name of Designer’ section on the entry form) if their entry piece is an original design or credit the name of the designer.

1.13 Entrants must confirm (under ‘Technique’ or ‘Inspiration’ section on the entry form) if their entry has been made from a book, magazine, workshop or kit.

  1. Entry Fees and Costs

2.1 Standard entry for one (1) piece is £18.00.

    2.2 Entry for members of the Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles (QGBI) and members of the European Quilt Association (EQA) for one (1) piece is £15.00.

    2.3 If an entrant wishes to enter an additional piece or pieces:

    a) there is a £10 fee for each additional piece; or

    b) if the entrant is a QGBI and EQA member, there is a £8 fee for each additional piece.

    2.4 Postage fees (including return postage) must be paid by the entrant.

    2.5 Entrants must accept that the original packaging may not be returned. Due to the high volume of entry pieces and the short time frame for repacking, new packaging may be used, and the Organisers are unable to replace or reimburse for lost packaging.

    2.6 Entrants are responsible for the insurance of the submitted entry while it is in transit via post or courier. Entrants can request insurance coverage while their piece is in the possession of the Organiser for an extra cost – further information can be found on ‘Cover for Loss/Damage’ here.

    2.7 Entry fees and other associated costs, including postage of pieces, are non-refundable. Further information on fees can be found here.

    2.8  Entrants will receive one free ticket for Sunday, 4th August 2024 for each piece entered into the competition.  Entrants will receive (by email) a code for the free ticket at the same time entrants receive the label for their entry piece.  No refunds will be provided to any entrant who has purchased a ticket for Sunday, 4th August 2024.

    1. Labels

    3.1 Labels must be attached to the back of the entry piece in the bottom left-hand corner with a flap of fabric covering the label to ensure anonymity during the judging process.

      1. Quilt/Entry Criteria

       4.1 Entries must have one (1) dimension (either height or width) of at least one (1) metre and must not exceed three (3) metres (this does not apply to the following categories: Miniature, Quilt Creations and Young Quilters). All quilts must conform to any size constraints imposed by their category.

      4.2 Other than in the Young Quilters and Group categories, the entry piece must have been created by the person entering the piece. Entry pieces sent to an external third-party long-arm quilter must be entered into the Two Person category.

      4.3 A hanging sleeve of 10cm (4 inches) must be attachedto the back of the entry piece (through which a wooden batten will be placed to hang your quilt). Failure to provide this  sleeve may mean that the quilt cannot be displayed. A sleeve will not be required if the quilt features an integral hanging device or if your piece is double-sided.

      4.4 Miniatures must have a 5cm (2 inch) sleeve attached to the back of the quilt unless it features an integral hanging device.

      4.5 If the quilt cannot be hung on a standard batten (or is entered into Quilt Creations), it is the responsibility of the maker to provide a clear hanging plan(diagram and/or written instructions) with your entry form and inside the packaging with your quilt.

      1. Double-sided Quilts

      5.1 For this competition, double-sided quilts are defined as those where both the front and reverse side may be viewed as separate pieces of work. The reverse side of the piece should be a finished quilt, created to the same standard as the front.

        5.2 Both sides of the piece should adhere to the category definition.

        5.3 Double-sided quilts should have an integrated hanging method, either along the top of the quilt or between the layers and the quilt must not exceed 179cm wide x 230cm high for it to be hung effectively.

        1. Quilt Displays

        6.1 The Organisers will endeavour to hang all pieces entered which comply with these rules. However, entrants must accept that, due to space limitations, the display of all entered pieces cannot be guaranteed. Should it not be possible to hang an entrant’s piece, the Organisers will inform the entrant prior to labels being despatched.

          6.2 It is not always possible to display both sides of a double-sided quilt. Where it is not possible to display both sides, visitors can request the assistance of a steward if they want to see the reverse.

          6.3 The Organisers reserve the right not to hang work that contains any sharp or dangerous materials, offensive language, or material which, in the Organiser’s view, may be unsuitable in any way for display.

          6.4 The first prize-winning pieces of each category will be exhibited in a gallery within The Knitting & Stitching Shows in London and Harrogate. As such, these quilts will not be returned to the maker until December 2024.

          7. Judging and Notification

          7.1 For the Art Quilts, Contemporary Quilts, Group Quilts, Miniature Quilts, Modern Quilts, Novice Quilts, Pictorial Quilts, Quilt Creations, Traditional Quilts and Two Person Quilts categories, the winning entries will be judged using the following criteria:

            a) Visual impact and the emotional response the quilt evokes

            b) The originality and content of the design

            c) The composition and use of colour

            d) The choice and suitability of materials

            e) Surface design and embellishment

            f) Construction and accuracy of piecing

            g) Design and execution of applique

            h) Design and execution of quilting

            i) A suitable finish (the edges of the piece) and how well the piece hangs

            j) Credit is given for individuality and innovation in all entries.

            7.2 For the Sustainable Quilts category, the winning entries will be judged using the following criteria:

            a) At least 75% of the fabric used should be re-purposed and the remaining 25% should ideally be second hand or taken from your stash (avoid buying new).

            b) Points will be awarded for using biodegradable or recycled materials, or materials made from natural resources eg bamboo.

            c) Design, composition and execution will be taken into account but the emphasis will be on the sustainability credentials of the piece (which must be itemised in detail within the relevant section of entry form).

            7.3 For the Young Quilters category, the winning entries will be judged using the following criteria:

            a) Judges will be looking for originality of design, good use of colour and composition as well as choice of suitable materials.

            b) Workmanship will be judged on the basis of handling of materials and finishing.

            c) Quilting and surface decoration will also be considered, with marks for appropriate use of embellishment and technique.

            7.4 For the Best in Show Award, the winning entry will be selected from the 1st prize winners in each category. One outstanding quilt will be chosen on the basis of:

            a) A quilt with strong visual impact

            b) Originality and content of the design

            c) Outstanding composition and use of colour

            d) Excellent choice and suitability of materials

            e) Superb surface design and embellishment

            f) Impeccable construction and accuracy of piecing

            g) Excellent design and execution of applique

            h) Excellent design and execution of quilting

            i) Impeccable finish (the edges of the piece) and a piece that hangs beautifully.

            7.5 For the Hand Quilting Overlay Award, the winning entries will be judged using the following criteria:

            a) All quilting should be stitched by hand and the winner should demonstrate mastery of the technique, in terms of both design and execution.

            b) Quilting should be in keeping with the overall design of the quilt.

            7.6 For the Machine Quilting Overlay Award, the winning entries will be judged using the following criteria:

            a) All quilting should be stitched by domestic sewing machine and the winner should demonstrate mastery of the technique, in terms of both design and execution.

            b) Quilting should be in keeping with the overall design of the quilt.

            7.7 For the Longarm Quilting Overlay Award, the winning entries will be judged using the following criteria:

            a) Entries should be quilted on a specialist longarm quilting machine, i.e. where the machine moves and the fabric remains static, mounted on a frame.

            b) Entrants should demonstrate density and consistency in the design, with no puckers / tucks or large un-quilted areas.

            c) Judges will be looking for excellent stitch quality in terms of even stitch and tension, suitable stitch length, controlled starts / stops and neat backtracking avoiding excessive thread build up.

            d) The chosen technique (eg Trapunto, freehand, pantograph, ruler) should be skilful and well executed.

            7.8 For the Thread Mastery Overlay Award, the winning entries will be judged using the following criteria:

            a) Entrants should demonstrate excellent stitch quality with even stitch, even tension and suitable stitch length. Suitable choice of thread and appropriate use of thread will be critical.

            7.9 A judging panel will be assigned to each category competition by The Quilters’ Guild’s Judging Committee. Depending on the number of entries per category, each judging panel will consist of up to six qualified judges.

            7.10 The For the Joy of Sharing category is not subject to judging and entrants into this category are not eligible to win a prize.

            7.11 The decision of each judging panel is final.

            7.12 Winning entries and runners-up will be notified on Wednesday 31st July 2024 by telephone, and if no response, by email between 1st and 5th August 2024.

            7.13 The winner of the Visitors’ Choice Award will be determined by the public, who will be able to vote for their favourite piece on the Festival of Quilts website. The winning entry will be notified by telephone and / or email on or before Monday 5th August.    

            Prize(s)

            8.1 For the Art Quilts, Contemporary Quilts, Group Quilts, Miniature Quilts, Modern Quilts, Novice Quilts, Pictorial Quilts, Quilt Creations, Traditional Quilts, Sustainable Quilts and Two Person Quilts categories, the winning prizes are as follows:

              a) First (1st) Place – £1,000

              b) Second (2nd) Place – £500

              c) Third (3rd) Place – £250

              8.2 For the Young Quilters category, the winning prizes are as follows:

              Ages 5-9 and 10-13 categories:

              a) First (1st) Place – £200

              b) Second (2nd) Place – £100

              c) Third (3rd) Place – £50

              Ages 14-18 category: There will be just one (1) first (1st) place prize of £200.

              8.3 For the Handi Quilter Best in Show Award, the winning prize will be £5,000.

              8.4 For the Overlay Awards, the prizes are as follows:

              a) Excellence in Hand Quilting- £500

              b) Excellence in Machine Quilting- £500

              c) Excellence in Long-arm Quilting- £500

              d) Superior Threads Thread Mastery Award- £500

              8.5 For the Visitors’ Choice Award, the winning prize will be £500.

              8.6 For winners in the Young Quilters category, the prize will be paid to the young person’s guardian/parent.

              8.7 If the winner in the Group Quilts category is a school, the prize will be paid to the School.

              1. General

              9.1 The Organiser is Upper Street Events Ltd (trading as Immediate Live) (company number: 06350012).

                9.2 By entering this competition, an entrant agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.

                9.3 If an entry piece has not been collected within 30 days after the end of the Festival of Quilts event, the Organiser may return the piece to the entrant (at the entrant’s cost), failing which, may dispose of the entry pieces as it sees fit.

                9.4 Entrants must supply to the Organiser their full name, postal address, email address, telephone number, and country. The Organiser will use entrants’ personal details in accordance with its privacy policy, which is available here.

                9.5 By ticking the relevant box on the entry form, entrants agree to have their full name or maker name (as applicable) displayed, alongside a picture of their entry piece, on the Organiser’s website and other promotional material. If an entrant does not tick the relevant box on the entry form, only the entrant’s surname will be displayed, alongside a picture of their entry piece, on the Organiser’s website and other promotional material.  This paragraph will also apply to the display of a winner’s name (or the winner’s maker name, as applicable) on the Organiser’s website and other promotional material.

                9.6 By entering the promotion, entrants agree and grant a free and unlimited licence to both the Organisers and The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles to use, edit and reproduce the submitted work for the Organiser’s product or for promotional purposes. This includes but is not limited to the following: online via the show website, social media channels, email and in print (magazines and newspapers), and television. Where possible, the artist will receive full credit, but this cannot be guaranteed.

                9.7 By entering this competition, entrants confirm that the entered piece is their own original work. It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure they do not infringe on any third parties’ intellectual property rights and agrees to indemnify the Organiser against any third party intellectual property right infringement claims.

                9.8 Whilst every effort is made by the Organiser to ensure the safety of any entry piece, entrants acknowledge and agree that risk is inevitable.

                9.9 This competition is subject to the legal and regulatory restrictions (including any governmental sanctions or guidance) imposed under English law or any governmental body of the United Kingdom. In some circumstances, the Organiser may be unable to provide a prize to the winner or a runner-up.  In this situation, the Organiser will donate the prize to a charity of the Organiser’s choice.

                9.10 This competition is governed by English law and the entrant agrees the English courts have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute or action relating to the competition.