How To Judge Significant Machine Embroidery

Most quilt show chairs have faced the issue of complaints about the categories for a quilt show. As there are two sides to every story, there are also two sides to this one. Some larger shows are "judged", while some smaller shows have the viewers vote on their favorites in each category. A quilt show judge most likely knows the difference between hand and machine quilted, hand and machine embroidered, and a true self-designed piece of art and a quilt from a kit. But most voters don't. Goodness knows, many people don't care, but the ones who do are likely to express their opinions to the show chair.

For a local or small guild show, most important is not to be judgmental in setting up the categories. The technique used to make the quilt may have been selected because the quilter currently lacks a skill that she will later acquire. Or, perhaps the quilter has a disability, such as arthritis, that may limit her choice of technique. The Quilter who uses a kit may donate more quilts to charity than anyone in the guild. The quilt show chair must welcome all to participate. So, what can the chair do to address the comments and still make sure that everyone has fun?

The topic of quilt show categories can be controversial, and, for many, this is based on the techniques used rather than the size of the quilt. The techniques used in quilts range through a spectrum and certainly are not as cut and dried as the summary below would indicate. But to shine light on this spectrum, I have chosen to represent two extremes in the table below.

One approach a quilt show chair might take is to appoint a small committee to meet and discuss the issue. Make sure that there is representation from all points of view. Some compromise will be necessary, but it is possible to give a little to everyone.

Our committee decided that the bed quilt categories would be open to all quilts and be organized by size.

To welcome more special quilts, we added the following categories.

ART QUILTS: These must be an original design by the quilt maker. These may utilize multiple techniques, include embellishments, thread painting, beading, painting on fabric, photography on fabric, etc.

HAND WORK: HAND quilted, embroidered, applique, etc. Over 50% must be hand work.

MACHINE WORK: Artistry of the machine quilting, machine embroidery, or machine applique. Over 50% must be machine work. You can find many more approaches on the Internet by searching for "quilt show categories." Above all, keep your quilt show fun so everyone can enjoy it! And maybe someday we will add a category for "My Favorite Failure"!