Quilt Contest
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show hosts a 10-category juried and judged Quilt Contest. Quilters of all levels have the opportunity to enter a maximum of four quilts into this exciting contest.
View the online entry form, or pdf below to view the entry categories. Prizes will be awarded in each category, as well as to the Best of Show and Viewers’ Choice quilts. Entries are due by June 30, 2026.
2026 Quilt Contest Rules and Entry Form
2026 Quilt Contest Rules & Entry Form (online form)
2026 Quilt Contest Rules & Entry Form (print only PDF)
Contest Prizes
Best of Show – $1,500
Viewers’ Choice Award – $500
1st Place – $500
2nd Place – $300
3rd Place – $200
Quilted Fashion Challenge – Show & Exhibit
New to The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show: show us your Quilted Fashion! Submit any garment or accessory you created with quilting fabrics and/or piecing and quilting techniques to be exhibited at the event, and join us Saturday, Sept. 12, for a fun-filled fashion show on stage.
Open to all experience levels, this exhibit and light-hearted fashion show encourages quilters and sewists to express themselves and cheer each other on as they walk the runway.
Online entry form must be received by June 30, 2026.
Quilt Challenge
Each year The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show hosts a themed challenge. Quilters of all levels may enter one quilt in each challenge. First place receives $300, second place receives $200 and third place receives $100. Entries are due by June 30, 2026.
Semiquincentennial Quilt Challenge Rules and Entry Form
Semiquincentennial Quilt Challenge Rules and Entry Form (online form)
Semiquincentennial Quilt Challenge Rules and Entry Form (print only PDF)
Kids’ Quilt Challenge
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show also offers a quilt contest open to youth ages 15 and under. Prizes will be awarded by Nancy Zieman Productions to those making the top three quilts. First prize: $200 Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio & Quilt Shop gift card; second prize: $100 gift card; and third prize: $50 gift card. Entry form and quilt must be received by Aug. 9, 2026.
2026 Kids’ Quilt Challenge Rules and Entry Form
Kids’ Quilt Challenge Rules & Entry Form (online form)
Kids’ Quilt Challenge Rules & Entry Form (print only PDF)
Modern Mini Quilt Challenge
The Great Wisconsin Quit Show hosts the annual Modern Mini Quilt Challenge on social media throughout the month of May. You’re invited to participate by stitching a 24-inch square (or smaller) mini quilt in fabrics featuring a modern color palette and design. Winners each receive a prize package from our generous sponsors. Details can be found here and on our Facebook page.
Contest Resources
We’ve created the following videos to help you prepare your quilt for competition display and judging:
How to Add a Rod Pocket to Your Quilt Contest Entry
How to Add Quilt Binding to Your Quilt Contest Entry
Learn More About the Judging Process and Five Basic Things Judges Look For
2025 Winner and Exhibitor Lists
2025 Quilt Contest Winners and Exhibitors
View or download a list of the Quilt Contest award-winners.
View or download a list of the Quilt Contest exhibitors.
View the Winning Quilt Gallery
Hexagon Quilt Challenge
View or download a list of the Hexagon Quilt Challenge winners and exhibitors.
Contest Sponsors
