Quilt Entry - 2026 The Minnesota Quilt Show: Registration and Quilt Entry

Quilt Entry deadline is Wednesday, April 22, at 2:00 pm

We would love to see your creations! You do NOT need to be a member of Minnesota Quilters NOR do you need to live in Minnesota.

Registering for the Minnesota Quilt Show and for Quilt Entry are again on the same registration! That means one confirmation and registration to track. When you are ready to register, click on the 'Register Now' button at the top of this page. You will have two options:

Register for quilt entry only, this part of registration is free because the fees will be from the individual quilt entries you choose.
Register for workshops, quilt entry, and more, this item will charge you the registration fee so you can sign up for classes.

You need to choose the quilt exhibits you are going to enter. There are so many options!

Judged ($35 - members, $50 - nonmembers, per quilt, and you can enter up to 3 quilts. They must be in different categories!)
Non-Judged ($10 - members, $25 - nonmembers per quilt, and you can enter up to 3 quilts)
Youth ($0 and you can enter 3 quilted items on behalf of youth)
2026 Challenge ($20) (you can enter one quilt)
2025 Mystery Quilt Exhibit ($0 for Mystery Registrants and you can enter one quilt)

Rules and general items for ALL quilt exhibits:

All quilts entered must have been completed on or after January 1, 2024.
As you scroll down you'll see that there are guides to help you collect the information you need to register your quilt.
Entry fees help support the cost of exhibiting your quilts and are non-refundable.
For all exhibits, we ask you to add a 4" hanging sleeve: directions for adding a sleeve. The top of the sleeve should be a maximum of 88" above the bottom edge of the quilt. We don't want your quilt to drag on the floor. Please, no rigid frames, rods or mounting devices with your quilts as they do not work with our hanging system.
Quilts may be no longer than 110" on any one side.
If you have problems during the quilt registration process, you should email quiltentryhelp@mnquilt.org and Sue will help you!
You will need to decide how you will get your quilts to us: by mail or bringing to our office. Quilts not entered in the Judged Exhibit may also be dropped off at one of our quilt shop locations or at the venue. More details below. Likewise, you'll need to decide how you want to get your quilt returned: pick it up at the end of the show, pick up at our office, or have it mailed. Quilts that are not in the Judged Exhibit may also be returned via our quilt shop locations.
Quilts can only be entered in our show one time in the non-judged category.
Don't forget to enter your quilts by April 22!

Wednesday, April 22: Quilt Entry Deadline for all exhibits

Week of May 11: all entrants will receive further instructions

Last week of May: quilt entries arrive - Tuesday May 26 and Wednesday May 27

Wednesday, June 10, 7:00 PM Sneak Preview at the show – ribbons on winning quilts in the judged exhibit. (tickets required)

Saturday, June 13: Quilt pickup at the venue from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

June 17 & 18: Quilts may be picked up at the MQ office (253 State Street, St. Paul, MN 55107)

June 18: Quilts are packed and shipped to entrants who have chosen this option

June 15 to 19: Quilts may be picked up at designated quilt shop locations. Check shop hours for availability.

AWARDS GIVEN IN THE JUDGED EXHIBIT

Best of Show Large Quilt $1,500

Best of Show Small Quilt $1,500

Exemplary Hand Quilting $1,000

Exemplary Machine Quilting $1,000

Exemplary Movable Machine Quilting $1,000

Judge's Recognition:

Judge #1 $ 100, Judge #2 $100

Judged category awards:

(1st Place $500, 2nd Place $325, 3rd Place $175 for each of the following categories:)

Annual Theme

Applique - Large - 1 or 2 Person

Applique - Small - 1 or 2 Person

Art - 1 or 2 Person

Group- 3 or More People

Mixed techniques - Large - 1 or 2 Person

Mixed techniques - Small - 1 or 2 Person

Modern - 1 Person

Modern - 2 Person

Pictorial - 1 or 2 Person

Pieced - Large - 1 Person

Pieced - Large - 2 Person

Pieced - Small - 1 or 2 Person

Sustainable- 1 or 2 Person

Workmanship- 1 or 2 Person

Youth

AWARD DISTRIBUTION FOR JUDGED CATEGORIES:

One Person Categories: The entrant will receive the ribbon and the prize money. In Two Person Categories, two ribbons will be awarded and the entrant will receive the prize money. For the Exemplary Hand Quilting, Exemplary Stationary Machine Quilting, and Exemplary Movable Machine Quilting awards, the quilter will receive the ribbon and the prize money.

ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION RIBBONS

Best Miniaturization in Judged Exhibit

Special Recognition Categories for quilts in Judged, Non-Judged and Youth

Mayor’s Award

Visit St Cloud Award

Paramount Arts Center Award

MQ President

Show Director

Head of the Faculty Committee

Each Show Faculty

Site Security Team

Site Facility Team

Viewer’s Choice: Large and Small, $250 each, chosen from Non-Judged exhibit

Minnesota Award: Quilts entered by quilters living in Minnesota are considered for these awards. Awards are given in both Judged and Non-judged exhibits. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons will be awarded with prize money from member donations.

MQ Challenge: 1^st Place $100, 2^nd Place $75, 3^rd Place $50

Minnesota Quilters is pleased to be able to host a Judged Quilt Exhibit and competition that attracts quilters from across the state and nation. We also have international entries.

Entry is open to the general public.

There are a number of categories for the show quilts that are entered in the Judged Exhibit: Annual Theme, Applique’, Art, Group, Mixed Techniques, Modern, Pictorial, Pieced, Sustainable, Workmanship and Youth.

The judges will award 1st place ($500), 2nd place ($375), and 3rd place ($175) in each category. In addition, Best of Show is awarded to a large quilt and small quilt, ($1500 each), Exemplary Hand Quilting ($1000), Exemplary Stationary Machine Quilting ($1000), and Exemplary Movable Machine Quilting ($1000). Each Judge also recognizes a quilt ($100).

Check out our Judged Quilt Exhibit Details sheet for more details.

Special ribbons are awarded by our Minnesota Quilters President, Show Director, Security Team, as well as this year's faculty.

The Minnesota Award is awarded to any quilt in the Judged or Non-Judged categories that is created by a Minnesotan. There are two categories, Judged and Non-Judged, with 1st, 2nd, 3rd ribbons awarded.

Viewer's Choice is chosen by ballot by attendees from the Non-Judged quilts. An award of $250 each is given to the favorite Small Hanging and the favorite Large Quilt.

Click here to print a worksheet to assist you when entering your judged quilt(s) online.

Remember, if you have problems during the registration process, you should email quiltentryhelp@mnquilt.org and Sue will help you!

Minnesota Quilters is pleased to be able to host a Judged Quilt Exhibit and competition that attracts quilters from across the state and nation. We also have international entries.

Judged Category Definitions

Annual Theme
1 or 2 person
2026: Quilts that use the one-block wonder technique with panels and incorporate an aspect of sustainability in the quilt front, batting, back or finishing.

Appliqué
Large 1 or 2 Person, Small 1 or 2 Person
Quilts in which appliqué is the predominant technique.

Art
1 or 2 Person
Original quilts reflecting innovative construction and design techniques, theme or subject matter, and/or materials. Commercial patterns and reproductions of existing works are not permitted. Quilts must be predominantly textile-based; they can incorporate surface design, thread painting, beads, embellishments, and non-traditional materials to enhance the design.

Group
≥3 Person
Quilts made using any piecing, quilting, or finishing techniques by three or more people.

Mixed Techniques
Large 1 or 2 Person, Small 1 or 2 Person.
Quilts with a balanced combination of two or more techniques that may include, but are not limited to, appliqué, piecing, embroidery, cathedral window, crazy quilting, one block wonder, surface design and embellishments.

Modern
1 and 2 Person
Quilts inspired by modern design with characteristics of minimalism, asymmetry, expansive negative space, bold colors and prints, improvisational piecing, alternate grid work, high contrast, and graphic areas of solid color. Special consideration given to original designs.

Pictorial
1 or 2 Person
Quilts in which a person, place, thing, or scene is realistically or abstractly depicted using any technique.

Pieced
Large 1 person, Large 2 Person, Small 1 or 2 Person
Quilts that use piecing as the predominant technique.

Sustainable
1 or 2 Person
Quilts of any style created with minimal negative environmental impact and promoting eco-conscious practices. For example: upcycling textiles with a former life unrelated to quilting; using your (or someone else’s) scraps and stash; using fabrics with sustainable farming practices like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo. Special consideration will be given to the creative use of materials.

Workmanship
1 or 2 Person
Quilts in which many design and/or fabric decisions were made by someone else. For example: Kits, Row by Row, Mystery, Block of the Month. Judging will focus on workmanship with special consideration to extra touches in the finished quilt.

Youth
Quilts of any style 75% completed by youth under 18 years. Judging will focus on youth's craftsmanship, overall design impact, difficulty of techniques, quilting execution and finishing for the youth's age. Quilter is excluded from the age requirement. Youth must be sponsored. Limit 1 entry.

Best Miniaturization Award Miniaturized quilts replicating a reduced full-size quilt pattern proportionally. If blocks are used, they may be no larger than 4” square. The quilt should look like a full-size quilt in a full- front photo with only the quilt filling the entire photograph.

Please read the category definitions carefully, and contact judged@mnquilt.org if you have any questions. Each quilt entered will receive a critique by judges who are members of the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges (NACQJ).

Entry Information

Each entrant is limited to three (3) entries, with each being in a different category.
Non-refundable entry fee is $35 per quilt for MQ members and $50 per quilt for non-members.
Entries require a full front view photograph of the quilt (or top)with the quilt filling the entire photograph.

Rules

Entries must be completed on or after January 1, 2024.
Pattern and designer. If the pattern is an original, use your name as the designer. MQ does not require pattern designer permission for quilt entry; the designer may.
Minnesota Quilters, Inc. sponsors and judges are not eligible to enter the judged competition.
Quilts require three distinct layers (quilt top, batting, backing) and must be visibly quilted through all layers.
A label and a hanging sleeve are required.
The label should be on the bottom left corner of the back, as seen from the back.
A 4" wide hanging sleeve securely attached at the top of the quilt back is required. Quilts 90" or longer require a secondary sleeve attached no higher than 88" from the bottom of the quilt.
The following are not allowed:
- Lined or false backs
- Tied quilts
- Kits, except for the Workmanship category.
- Rigid frame, rods or mounting devices
- Rods sewn into the quilt sleeve
Minnesota Quilters reserves the right to:
- Limit Judged entries to 200 quilts.
- Refuse quilts that exhibits poor quality construction, have been misrepresented by the photograph, are soiled or stained, do not adhere to the size restrictions, or are found to have won a blue ribbon in an MQ show.
- Combine or eliminate categories with five (5) or fewer entries
- Set Best of Show Large Quilt perimeter at a greater than or equal to 280 degree perimeter and Best of Show Small Quilt at less than 280 degree perimeter
- Not adjust ribbons and awards for the categories of quilts awarded Best of Show Large or Best of Show Small

Judged Definitions:

Quilt. Three distinct layers (quilt top, batting, backing), quilted through all three layers. All work may be done by hand, machine, or any combination.

Quilt Maker. The person who made the quilt top.

1 Person. Quilts made by one person during making, quilting and finishing.

2 Person Quilt. Quilts made by two people during making, quilting and finishing including made by one person and quilted by another.

Machine Quilting.

Movable. The machine moves over the quilt sandwich.
Stationary. The quilt sandwich moves under the machine.

Judged Quilt Sizes

Judged Exhibit Category, Minimum Size, Maximum Size:

Appliqué – Large, 280” perimeter, 110” x 110”
Appliqué – Small, None, Less than 280” perimeter
Mixed Techniques - Large, 280” perimeter, 110” x 110”
Mixed Techniques - Small, None, Less than 280” perimeter
Modern - 1 and 2, None, 280" perimeter
Pieced - Large, 280” perimeter, 110” x 110”
Pieced - Small, None, Less than 280” perimeter
Youth - None, 280" perimeter

For all other categories there is no minimum size and the maximum size is 110" x 110".

Shipping, Handling, and Insurance for Judged Quilts

Entries must arrive at MQ between May 26-27, 2026
Return shipping of quilts requires a prepaid shipping label or USPS postage (stamps)
Quilts with fragile dimensional elements must be securely packaged in a rigid box to avoid damage during shipping.
Entrants are responsible for the insurance of the quilts during shipping to and from MQ.
Entries are insured by MQ while in MQ's possession.

Drop-Off /Delivery/Pick-Up Information

Quilt drop off at or ship to MQ Office
- May 26 (Tues) 11 am to 5pm
- May 27 (Wed) 11 am to 5pm

If these times do not work for you please consider shipping your quilt or contact the Office for alternative options.

Quilt Pick Up
- St. Cloud - June 13 (Sat) 5:30 - 6:30pm
- MQ Office - June 17 (Wed) 11am - 4 pm
- MQ Office - June 18 (Thurs) 11am to 5 pm

Remember, if you have problems during the registration process, you should email quiltentryhelp@mnquilt.org and Sue will help you!

This Exhibit gives quilters a place to share quilts they've enjoyed creating, whether it's their interpretation of a pattern, the results of a group exchange, challenge or mystery, kit or special gift they've made. Because of the unlimited variety, these quilts offer inspiration and ideas to all levels of quilting.

Non-Judged Quilts are eligible for Viewer's Choice Awards as well as Special Recognition Ribbons awarded throughout the show by the MQ President, Show Director, Show Faculty, etc.

The Entry Fee is $10 to MQ members and is $25 to non-members, per quilt.

Each entrant is limited to three (3) entries in the Non-Judged quilt exhibit. Each quilt must be registered with an accompanying digital photo of the quilt. Photos are used for planning the exhibit layout and does not need to be a professional photo. See the general rules for all exhibits above.

Enjoy additional exhibits: Non-Judged, Youth, 2026 Challenge and 2025 Mystery Quilt. Entry into these exhibits is also open to the general public.

Click here to print a help sheet when entering your non-judged quilts.

Remember, if you have problems during the quilt registration process, you should email quiltentryhelp@mnquilt.org and Sue will help you!

Drop off and pick up locations

For our 2026 show, you can drop off at a participating quilt shop (listed below), River's Edge Convention Center (on Monday, June 8 at the Volunteer Desk between 11am and 4 pm), or you can drop off your quilts at Minnesota Quilters headquarters (253 State St., Saint Paul, MN 55107) on 26th and 27th May between 11 am and 2 pm.

Here is the list of shops you will be able to use:

Drop off between 5/26 and 5/30:

Cherrywood, 7882 College Road, Baxter, MN 56425. (218) 829-0967
Gruber's Quilt Shop: 310 4th Ave. NE, Waite Park, MN 56387. (320) 217-8088
Pine Needles Quilt & Sew: 1300 Salem Rd., Suite 350, Rochester, MN 55902. (507) 226-8480
Quilted Treasures, 14178 Northdale Blvd, Rogers, MN 55374, (763) 428-1952
Tiny Apple Fabrics & Crafts: 219 E. Main St., Anoka, MN 55303. (763) 421-0367
Sew With Me (2 of 3 sites): 11200 Commerce Dr N, Champlin, MN 55316,(763) 762-6547
9242 Hudson Blvd N.,Lake Elmo, MN 55042

Drop off between 5/19 and 5/22 (an extra week is needed to transfer quilts between Duluth and Lake Elmo shops)
Sew With Me 1600 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811

Quilt drop off at or ship to MQ Office

May 26 (Tues) 11 am to 5pm
May 27 (Wed) 11 am to 5pm

If these times do not work for you, please consider shipping your quilt or call the Office for alternative options.

Quilt Pick Up

St. Cloud - June 13 (Sat) 5:30 - 6:30pm
MQ Office - June 17 (Wed) 11am - 4 pm
MQ Office - June 18 (Thurs) 11am to 5 pm

One of the highlights of our show are the quilts entered by our youth 18 and younger! It is so exciting to see their quilts but even better when we get to meet the quilter!

Click here to print a worksheet when entering your youth quilts.

You are starting this registration as yourself, and after you choose the youth category you want, it will ask you everything about the youth.

Remember, if you have problems during the registration process, you should email quiltentryhelp@mnquilt.org and Sue will help you!

See the general rules for all exhibits above. Youth quilts have the same drop off and pick up locations as non-judged.

This year's challenge we're repeating the style of challenge we did last year, where you buy the packet now and you finish it this year and enter it. You can buy the packet for $5 plus tax at our website at this link or during the registration process for the show.

Follow the rules in the packet. Registering the 2026 Challenge is $20. See the general rules for all exhibits above. Challenge quilts have the same drop off and pick up locations as non-judged.

Remember, if you have problems during the registration process, you should email quiltentryhelp@mnquilt.org and Sue will help you!

MQ is once again offering all quilters displaying a quilt at the show an opportunity to offer their quilt for sale.

How It Works

If you are displaying a quilt in any category (judged, non-judged, youth, challenge, etc.), you can tell us you’d like to offer your quilt for sale and designate the amount. We will include this information with the quilt display. If someone wants to buy your quilt, they will pay MQ the price you have named plus sales tax. Your quilt will continue to be displayed through the end of the show. If you had chosen to have your quilt shipped back to you when you registered your quilt, the shipping label will be returned to you. You will receive a check issued by MQ within 30 days for the amount you named less a 25% commission to MQ.

What MQ Will Do to Earn Our Commission

We will:

Advertise and promote the sale before and during the show to the public and to all show attendees.
Handle all financial transactions and sales tax. Depending on the price you designate, you may be asked to fill out a short tax form for your income taxes if you sell your quilt.
Ship the quilt to the buyer at no expense to you or the buyer.
Issue a check to you within 30 days of the close of the show for the amount you selected less the commission. If the price you chose exceeds $600, you will be asked to complete a short tax form before we can issue the check.

What You Need to Do to Participate and Offer Your Quilt for Sale

When you register your quilt to be displayed at the show, there will be a question asking if you would like to offer your quilt to be sold. Just answer the few additional questions and we will take things from there. The photo you submit when you enter your quilt will be the same one that will be used when we promote the quilt sale.

The toughest question will be about the price you would want to ask for your quilt to be sold. Below are a couple of links we found on the internet that offer guidelines:

https://cabbagerosequilting.com/wondering-how-to-price-your-handmade-quilts-heres-your-complete-guide/

https://www.madeurban.com/blog/quilting-price-formula/

Keep in mind the time you spent, the difficulty or uniqueness of the design, the cost of your fabrics and all the tools you used to make your quilt. Price your quilts considering both your investment and what the market might support. If you have the happy good fortune to win a ribbon for your quilt, we will allow you to adjust the sale price if you instruct us as quickly as possible. The price that you entered in registration will be the final price as of April 22, unless you win a ribbon.