Behind the Ribbons - A Peek into Quilt Show Judging

Ever walked through a quilt show and thought, “Why did this quilt win a ribbon and that one didn’t?” We’ve all wondered what’s going on inside a judge’s mind when they're surrounded by so many stunning quilts. Honestly, it’s amazing they can choose at all.

Turns out, becoming a quilt judge isn’t just a matter of liking quilts a whole lot. There’s a whole certification process through the National Association of Certified Quilt Judges, complete with rigorous training. Certified judges are expected to understand nearly every technique and style under the sun—and even if a judge isn’t personally familiar with a method (say, a niche art quilt technique), they still need to evaluate whether it’s executed well.

To learn more about what really goes into those decisions, I chatted with certified judge Marilyn and judge candidate Jackie—and got the inside scoop. Their answers were eye-opening, and honestly, kind of encouraging.

What immediately catches your eye in an exceptional quilt?

Marilyn: Design. She looks for how elements like line, symmetry (or asymmetry), color, and value contrast work together to create visual impact.

Jackie: Composition is key. The quilt should feel balanced and intentional, with solid design principles supporting the overall look.

What are the most common mistakes, even among experienced quilters?

Marilyn often sees quilts placed in the wrong category, which can hurt their chances. She also points out that using all medium-value fabrics can cause a block—no matter how precisely sewn—to lose impact from a distance.

Jackie has spotted areas where the quilting was simply… missed. Oops. It happens.

How do you actually judge a quilt?

Both judges start with design—what’s working, what’s not—and follow with detailed notes specific to each quilt. For workmanship, it’s more cut-and-dry: straight seams, filled bindings, matched points.

Marilyn follows a consistent order: Design, Piecing, Appliqué, Other Techniques, Borders/Sashings, Edge Treatment, and Quilting.

And no, they don’t just “pick what they like.” Personal taste stays out of it. Instead, they assess complexity of design and degree of difficulty.

How do you judge styles or techniques you're less familiar with?

Both judges emphasized this: familiarity isn’t required, but understanding quality is.

Marilyn welcomes modern and imaginative styles, while Jackie says she can always tell if a technique—familiar or not—is executed well.

Ever had a quilt challenge your expectations or change your perspective?

Jackie finds that innovative quilts constantly inspire her to explore new techniques.

Marilyn points to her experience attending QuiltCon. The bold simplicity of modern quilts was a major shift from the intricacy of traditional show winners—and it gave her a fresh appreciation for strong, clean design.

How do you stay objective when judging something so personal and artistic?

They both agree: training is everything. Certified judges are taught to evaluate based on skill and execution—not personal taste. Excellence in design, workmanship, and creativity is what gets recognized, period.

How has quilt judging evolved over the years?

Marilyn reflects on how far we’ve come—from hand-pieced, hand-quilted heirlooms to today’s wide range of traditional and nontraditional techniques. She emphasizes that a judge’s education never really ends—there’s always more to learn.

What makes a quilt not just “good,” but “award-winning”?

Jackie looks at the number and difficulty of decisions made. From color and fabric choices to technical challenges, the more complex—and the better it’s executed—the more impressive the quilt.

What’s the best part about being a quilt judge?

Jackie loves encouraging quilters of all levels and hopes her feedback motivates them to keep growing.

Marilyn? She just plain loves quilts and quilters. She’s made lifelong friends through judging and treasures the experience—especially when evaluating “premier” quilts.

Any advice for first-time show entrants?

Both judges say the same thing: Just enter.

You’ll learn so much from the feedback, and remember—no one’s ever made a perfect quilt. Marilyn adds that a judge may point out flaws, but they’ll also highlight your strengths. It’s all part of helping you grow.

Also, double-check that category before submitting. And who knows? You just might come home with a ribbon.