Adult and Next Generation Quilter Quilt Contests

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Adult Quilt Contest Categories:

Hand or machine appliqué and quilted any way by Exhibitor
Pieced and Machine quilted by Exhibitor
Pieced and Hand Quilted by Exhibitor
Any method quilted by a Group (two or more)

Ribbons sponsored by the Durham Fair

Adult Quilt Contest Rules:

Group quilt can be pieced by one individual and quilted by another.
Work can be pieced or appliquéd by hand or machine.
Quilts must be either hand or machine (domestic, hand-guided longer or digital) quilted - no hand tied quilts.
Quilts may not be made from pre-cut quilt kits.
Appliqué quilts must consist of at least 50% appliqué.
Quilt perimeter must measure a minimum of 216 inches
A quilt can only compete in the Association of Connecticut Fairs Quilt Contest once at the state contest in the fall. It can be entered in more than one local fair until it is selected to compete at the state level. An exhibitor can only represent 1 quilt per category at the State Quilt Contest.

Prizes:

The following prizes will be awarded in each category:
Adult Quilt Contest:

1st place: $50

2nd place: $35.00

3rd place: $15.00

People's Choice Award: $50

Each attendee at the Banquet will be able to cast one vote for their favorite quilt regardless of category.

Next Generation Quilter (Formerly Junior) Quilt Contest:

Possible entries include but are not limited to: quilts (any size), pillows, wall hangings, Christmas tree skirts, placemats, articles of clothing, bags or table runners

Next Generation Quilter Quilt Contest Rules:

All work must be completed by an individual quilt maker.
Work can be pieced by hand or by machine.
Items must be either hand or machine (domestic, hand-guided longer or digital) quilted - no hand tied quilts.
While there is no specific size (dimension) requirement, items will be judged based on appropriate techniques used.
Quilts may not be made from pre-cut quilt kits.
An item can only compete in the Association of Connecticut Fairs Quilt Contest once at the state contest in the fall. It can be entered in more than one local fair until it is selected to compete at the state level. An exhibitor can only represent 1 Item at the State Quilt Contest.
Participant must be between 7 and 18 years of age at the time of judging.

Prizes:

The following prizes will be awarded:

Junior Quilt Contest:

1st place: $25.00

2nd place: $15.00

3rd place: $10.00

How to Enter

Enter a quilt (or for Next Generation Quilters a quilted item) at any participating fair that is a member of the Association of Connecticut Fairs in any of the categories mentioned above.

The participating fair will award one winner in each category with a rosette from the Association of Connecticut Fairs along with any awards the local fair provides. Each fair will submit that winning entry to the state contest. A quilt can be entered in as many fairs as a contestant wishes until it becomes eligible to go to the state contest. Please note an Exhibitor can only represent 1 Quilt or Quilted item per Category at the State Quilt Contest in November.

State Quilt Contest

Once a quilt has won the State Quilt ribbon at a participating fair, it is eligible to be entered into the State Quilt Contest. The contest will be held November 8, 2025. Each fair must preregister their local winner. The local fair also will provide contest information to the winner. Check this website for the latest information.

Each fair is responsible to report their winners as soon as possible but no later than two weeks after their fair to the State Contest officials. This can be accomplished by submitting the Winner's Form provided in the ribbon packets at the spring meeting or emailing the following information:name, complete mailing address, phone number and email along with the specific division the winner will be representing. The fair is also responsible for contacting their contest winner(s) and providing them with information about the fall meeting and how to register for the banquet if they are interested in attending.

The Association of Connecticut Fairs does not contact individual fairs or contest winners with regards to contest and banquet reservations nor does the Association of Connecticut Fairs cover the costs of attending the awards banquet. NO BANQUET RESERVATIONS FOR CONTEST WINNERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE DOOR.