General Contest
All submitted quilts go through a jury process. The jury is made up of three or more people, and usually includes someone with a traditional background, someone with an art background, and an experienced quilter. The photos are shown to the jury (quilter’s names are not shown) and a description of the quilt is provided. The jurors may choose Accept, Reject, or Undecided, make a comment, or suggest a category change. Each category is worked separately, and then a second round begins with the Undecided entries. This continues until all three jurors accept the number of quilts that we have room to display.
Go ahead and register for the class, but select “No Admission.” If your quilt is not accepted, then you can modify your registration later and add admission. (Paducah ONLY: The Awards Presentation and Sneak Preview are also complimentary for accepted contestants. Anyone accompanying you will need to purchase admission to each.)
The appraiser will mail your appraisal approximately 30 days after the show.
You can request a ribbon by mailing a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
AQS
Attn: Michelle Thompson-Ribbon
PO Box 3290
Paducah, KY 42002
Please specify the contest entered when requesting a ribbon.
If your quilt was shipped in a tube or unusually-sized box (including miniatures) these items will be mailed separately. If your quilt received a ribbon, it will also be mailed separately.
If you received the show book in your quilt box but do not see the label or comment card, check inside the show book (where these items are placed) and under the flaps on the bottom of the box, where smaller items slide and hide.
Please note: Comment cards are only provided for the Paducah Contest.
Entering Your Quilt
- A full-view photo of your quilt with all four corners visible (image must be jpeg less than 10 MB)
- A detail image of your quilt showcasing your best work (image must be jpeg less than 10 MB)
- A headshot of yourself, from the shoulders up (image must be less than 10 MB)
- Size of your quilt in width and length
- If your quilt is not your original design, you will need to provide the pattern or design information. You will also need to upload a copy of your design permission. (Must be scanned as one document, less than 10 MB)
- If your quilt is valued over $1,000, you must upload a copy of your appraisal. (Must be scanned as one document, less than 10 MB)
- For more information on categories and rules, click here.
- For more information on the required photos, click here.
- For more information on design permission, click here.
Enter the email address associated with your membership during the checkout process. Select the option for Member Pricing, then enter your email address when prompted.
Yes, your label should include your name, address, and quilt title. Video Answer (This is for security, in case your quilt was to become separated from its box.) Cover your quilt label with fabric leaving the title exposed. Secure the cover with safety pins for the blind judging process.
If your quilt is a completely original design, not based on anyone else’s patterns, photographs, or artwork, you do not need to worry about getting anyone’s permission before displaying your quilt. If your quilt is strictly for your own use and enjoyment, and will not be displayed publicly, used commercially, or sold, you also do not have to seek any permissions. If you are using a computer design software (e.g. Electric Quilt or programmable quilting machine) to generate your quilting design, you do not need to be granted permission before displaying your quilt. When purchasing these products, you are granted permission with the purchase.
If your quilt is based on anyone else’s patterns, photographs, or artwork, which is visible and identifiable in your work, even though it might not be exactly the same, you still need to ask their permission. Seeking permission does not have to be intimidating or difficult; a simple email or short letter is all that is needed. Contact information is usually available through the book, magazine, or pattern company, and may even be printed in the book or magazine or on the pattern. Often, designers, photographers, and artists have their own websites with contact information posted. Tell the artist/designer that you have made a quilt from their pattern/artwork, attach a photo, and ask their permission to enter and display it in the show and to publish photographs with proper credit. For more information on design permission, click here.
Yes, we do hold quilts between shows IF the contestant REQUESTS such on the return shipping information. When acceptance letters are sent out for each contest, you have the option to have your quilt held. If you have entered the next contest, you would select “hold.” If the quilt is then accepted, we will hold it between shows. If not, we would make arrangements to send it home to you.
We will hold quilts between the first three spring shows. After the last spring show, all quilts are shipped home. (There are over 3 months before the next contest.) We will also hold quilts between the fall shows. After the last fall show, all quilts are shipped home.
Shipping/Receiving
- That is absolutely no problem as long as your quilt is properly labeled with your Quilt # according to the directions on your Contestant Guide. All quilts come into the AQS warehouse, which is staffed Monday-Thursday year round, with the exception of QuiltWeek Show weeks and holidays. It is never a problem to send a quilt early.
If for any reason your quilt cannot arrive by the deadline, contact the Contest Coordinator at contests@americanquilter.com.
Because our home office is in Paducah, all quilts are shipped to there so they can be processed and checked in. We have someone available during regular business hours at our facility to sign for shipments from UPS, FedEx, or the US Postal Service. Once most of the quilts have been received, they are checked in, put in a brand new box specifically designed for shipping quilts (except irregular packages or tubes), labeled for return shipping to you or the place you designated, and then organized by categories. The quilts are then transported to the show (in their box/tube), where they will be placed in their designated area for hanging. At the close of the show, your quilt is placed back into your box/tube and taped so that it is ready to be shipped out. Once the quilts return to our facility, they are shipped usually no later than the Tuesday following the close of the show to their designated destination. Quilts are NOT handled or repackaged after returning to our facility from the show. Video Answer
Because our home office is in Paducah, all quilts must be processed and checked in at this facility. Yes, you may deliver your quilt(s) to our Paducah office. Please follow the same quilt preparation instructions as if you were mailing your quilt(s).
Quilt Packaging Instructions:
- Print two copies of the Quilt Packing Slip that is associated with your entry.
- Pack the quilt in a plastic bag and include one (1) copy of the Quilt Packing Slip in the plastic bag with your quilt, and place the bag inside a sturdy box. (A $25 special packaging fee will apply to any quilt that requires special packaging other than a standard fold. This fee applies at each location the quilt is displayed.)
- Include the following in the package:
– Take the second copy of the Quilt Packing Slip and fold it in half with the QR code facing out.
– Address Card: On a 3″ x 5″ card, write your name, return shipping address, and phone number.
– Place the address card inside the fold of the paper. If you choose to provide a return shipping prepaid label, place it with the folded packing slip.
– Tape the folded packing slip to the top of the plastic bag, making sure it’s visible when the box is opened. For irregular boxes/tubes, indicate which end is to be opened and place the folded packing slip in that end.
– Write your quilt number(s) in the AQS mailing address on the top of the outside of the box. Do not use any other confirmation numbers, only the quilt number is needed.
Our hours are Monday – Thursday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm. When dropping off your quilt, please ask for Michelle or Terry to check in your quilt and deliver it to the correct location. It is also a good idea to send an email to contests@americanquilter.com the day you are delivering your quilt so we know to be watching for it.
Our physical address is:
5801 Kentucky Dam Rd
Paducah, KY
If you’ll be picking up your quilt after the show, choose that option on the Quilt Shipping Request. Quilt pickup will begin 30 minutes after the show closes on the final day. Bring a photo ID to the main entrance of the show where your quilt is displayed. You will go through a checkout procedure requiring an ID and signature for each quilt. Quilts held for pickup, but not claimed will be shipped back to the contestant; an invoice of shipping charges will be sent separately. Video Answer
If your quilt is accepted, your notification email will include the specific details for shipping and returning your quilt. You may find general information here.
Yes, although it is the responsibility of the quilter to make sure you insure the package properly to reflect multiple quilts in the package. Each quilt must be bagged and labeled separately inside the box.
- Here are a few ideas:
- If you plan to enter multiple shows throughout a year, request for your quilt to be HELD throughout that year’s show schedule.
- Purchase a pre-paid label from FedEx or UPS in your area.
- Ship your quilts in the same box, although it is the responsibility of the quilter to make sure you insure the package properly to reflect multiple quilts in the package. Each quilt must be bagged and labeled separately inside the box.
Contest Timelines
Notification letters will be emailed to the email address you used when registering.
To ensure deliverability, please make sure that no-reply@app.awardforce.com and sender@app.awardforce.com are set as allowed or safelisted in your email settings or contact list.
Additionally, make sure that you have not unsubscribed from broadcasts and notifications in the contest entry system. To do so, go to your profile, then open the Preferences tab and ensure all the boxes are checked under “Subscriptions”.
See Contest Timeline chart for details.
*Winners will be posted here on the above dates.
