Quilts Category

Calling All Quilters!  It’s time to show off your stitches and let your creativity shine — one stitch at a time! Whether you’ve been quilting for decades or just started this year, we want to see your beautiful creations. Every quilt has a place at the Swain County Agricultural Fair! ​

Youth & Adult Entry Information

YOUTH QUILTS
EXTENDED DEADLINE
  • Check-in: Monday, August 10, 2026
  • Drop-off Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.​
Enter only once by choosing the Printable Entry Form OR the Online Entry Form
ADULT QUILTS
  • Check-in: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
  • Drop-off Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Print and fill-out the Entry Form below
Any entry received after these dates will not be judged
Drop-off & Pick-up Location
Swain County Cooperative Extension Center
​60 Almond School Road, Bryson City, NC 28713
~ ~ ~
Entry Pick-up
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 
Exhibitor Information
Youth (8-18 years)
  • Division A:  Ages 5-7 ~ Non-Competitive
  • Division B:  Ages 8-13
  • Division C: Ages 14-18
  • Division D: Special Needs All Ages ~ Non-Competitive
Adult (19+)
Competitive vs. Non-Competitive? ​
​Please Note:
You are encouraged to place your quilt in a clear plastic bag for temporary storage to prevent any dust or dirt smudges during judging and transportation.
CLASS 9 – QUILTS
9001a   Bed Quilts, Appliquéd - Hand
9001b   Bed Quilts, Appliquéd - Machine
9002a   Bed Quilts, Pieced by Hand
9002b   Bed Quilts, Pieced by Machine
9003     Bed Quilts, Mixed Techniques
9004     Baby Quilts
9005     Machine Quilted, free motion/hand guided by self
9006     Machine Quilted, free motion/hand guided by another
9007     Other
STANDARDS FOR JUDGING QUILTS
Presentation
  • Is the quilt pleasing to look at and touch?
  • Does it have a special quality that makes it attractive?
  • Is the quilt free of loose threads or knots?
  • Is it clean?
  • Does it have a label on the back for identification of the maker and the date?
Design and Creativity
  • Have the design principles of rhythm and balance been used?
  • Is there good use of light and darks?
  • Does the fabric grain, if noticeable, affect the design in a pleasing way?
  • Does the fabric show unity – Is there a balance of variety and uniformity?
  • Do the borders, binding, and other finishing parts, enhance the overall appearance?  
  • Do the color work well together?
  • Is there color access to give the design movement and interest?
  • Are the colors appropriate for the use of the piece?
  • Does the backing complement or harmonize with the other colors in the quilt?  
  • Is the fabric weave and fiber type appropriate for the use?
  • Will the materials used withstand the type of cleaning needed to remain useful?
  • Do the materials go well together, not only color wise but according to type.
  • Does the quilting or tie pattern support the batting enough to keep it from bunching or distorting when the quilt is used or cleaned?
  • Does the quilting or tying enhance the design?
  • Is the quilting or tying planned so it fits properly in the spaces?
  • Does the quilting enrich and add quality of the quilt?
Workmanship
  • Do all the points and corners meeting precisely in the patchwork?
  • If appliqued, are all the curves smoothly done?
  • Is the applique stitching either a complement to the design or unnoticeable?
  • Are the seams flat and pressed neatly?
  • Are seams free of bumps and bulk?
  • Does the construction seem strong enough to last the life of the quilt?
  • Is the patchwork free of holes or spaces where seams are incomplete?  
  • Are the quilting stitches evenly spaced over the whole quilt, both back and front?
  • Are the straight lines straight and the curved lines smooth?
  • If it is tied, is the tie pattern uniform over the entire quilt?
    If it is tied, are the knots secure?
  • If there are embellishments, such as buttons, or lace, are they attached securely, and do they add to the attractiveness? 
  • Is the binding free of puckers and ripples?
  • Are the stitches even in width and uniformly full of filler?
  • Are the corners of the binding neatly done and square?
  • Does the quilt lie or hang flat and square, without ripples or lumps?
Additional Youth & Adult Categories
YOUTH ENTRY INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Amber Johnston, Extension Agent
​4-H Youth Development
​[email protected]
(828) 488-3848
ADULT ENTRY INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Shannon Royce, Extension Agent
Family & Consumer Sciences
​[email protected]
(828) 488-3848

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