Quilt Entries

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 Quilts
  • Check-in: Monday & Tuesday, August 10 & 11, 2026 during office hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Location: Swain County Cooperative Extension Center, 60 Almond School Road  (any entry received after these dates will not be judged)
  • Entry Pick-up: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 
​
Please Note:
  • Quilt entries will be judged before Friday, August 21, 2026 and will be displayed with the winning ribbons at the Swain County Fair.   
  • 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
9001   Bed Quilts, Appliquéd
9002   Bed Quilts, Pieced
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?
How to Enter - Youth & Adult Quilt
Enter only once by choosing the Printable Entry Form OR the Online Entry Form
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
​Mountain State Fair Entry & the Pony Express: 
The Pony Express pick-up date and information will be announced in 2026.​

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