Categories & Entry
QuiltCon includes a juried quilt show featuring hundreds of modern quilts. Quilts that are juried into the show will be judged, and winners in each category will win awards and prizes from our generous sponsors. Entrants are welcome to enter as many quilts as they would like. A maximum of four quilts per entrant will be accepted to the show.
Quilt entry for QuiltCon 2026 opens September 1, 2025.
The quilts in the following show challenge categories will be judged and awarded 1st Place ($2000), 2nd Place ($500), and 3rd Place ($200) prizes. Full details about these challenges are announced in May, in the Modern Monday emails.
Hillary Goodwin, our featured speaker for QuiltCon 2026, has selected six beautiful Artisan Cottons by Windham Fabrics for you to work with in this year’s fabric challenge!
For QuiltCon 2026, the MQG and American Patchwork & Quilting want to see your take on diamonds in modern quilts.
The quilts in the following show categories will be judged and awarded 1st Place ($1,000), 2nd Place ($500), and 3rd Place ($200) prizes.
Group or Bee Quilts
Quilts in this category must be made by three or more people.
Appliqué
Quilts in this category must include either machine or hand appliqué.
Handwork
Quilts in this category include at least one element of handwork, not including binding.
Improvisation
Quilts must be pieced improvisationally (without a defined pattern or template).
Minimalist Design
Quilts must demonstrate simplification of content and form for maximum visual impact.
Modern Traditionalism
Quilts must have traditional aesthetics used in a modern quilt, either through modernized quilt blocks or quilt patterns, or elements of traditional motifs.
Piecing
Quilts must be machine pieced and reflect a strong or innovative use of piecing.
Small Quilts
Quilts must have a total perimeter of 119” or smaller. The quilt can be any shape.
Use of Negative Space
Quilts must incorporate a creative or significant use of negative space.
Youth
Entrants 18 years and younger at the time of entry (quilters are excluded from age requirement).