Entry Categories
- Pieced Predominantly pieced by hand or machine. Includes Paper Piecing.
- Appliqué Predominantly appliquéd by hand or machine.
- Specialty Techniques Includes crazy quilting, cathedral window, whole-cloth, and other specialty techniques that traditionally do not include quilting.
- Modern Quilt is inspired by modern design that typically features minimalism, asymmetry, expansive negative space, alternate grid work, improvisational piecing, high contrast, and many solid-colored fabrics.
- Art Quilt Quilt is your original design. This category can include abstract, pictorial, portrait, landscape, and specialty techniques. Quilts derived from a commercial pattern or designed by someone other than yourself are not eligible in this category.
- Kit or Block of the Month Any project of any size made from a kit or as part of a shop/vendor Block of the Month project should be entered in this category. Judging will be based on the workmanship of the maker/quilter without regard to fabric/design choices.
- Fashion / Accessories / Household Clothing, bags, purses, wallets, vases, vessels, pincushions, and other 3D (not flat) quilted objects can be entered in this category.
- Non-Judged If you want to share your quilt but do not want it judged, enter it in this category and it will be displayed in the non-judged section.
- 2026 FMQ Members Challenge “Heritage in Blue”.
- Young Quilter Quilt is made by a quilter aged 16 or younger. The quilt top must be constructed by the young quilter. Credit must be given to any adult collaborators. Young quilters may enter other categories where entry fee is required.
Entry Guidelines
- Each entry must have its own form.
- A non-refundable $10 (USD) fee is required for each entry, except for category 10.
- Mailed entry forms must be postmarked and electronic forms must be submitted between June 20, 2026 and September 1, 2026, and include the entry fee to be valid.
- Entries must have been completed after January 1, 2021, and not previously displayed at an MQE show.
- All entries must be free of pet hair and odors. Incomplete, damaged, or soiled entries will not be judged or displayed.
- Quilts must have three layers. Tied quilts will not be accepted. Exceptions apply to Young Quilter and Specialty Techniques categories.
- All persons involved in making the entry must be listed on the entry form.
- Credit must be given to the source if the design is not original.
- Multiple entries are allowed; however, space limitations may restrict display.
- Framed items are not accepted; however, stretcher bars are allowed. NO GLASS.
- Entries with embellishments must be able to be stacked or folded without risking harm to them or other entries.
- All quilts must have a label on the back lower right-hand corner with the quilt name, entrant’s name, city, and state.
- The judge may combine categories or withhold awards as deemed necessary.
- Entries are accepted based on the order of submission date so send your registration early.
- The Committee reserves the right to reject any entry deemed unqualified or misrepresented.
- Direct all questions about guidelines to Barb Zeleznik via email to bazeleznik@gmail.com or phone at (701) 412-7535. Please include your questions with email or phone message.