Enter A Quilt

Enter A Quilt

Enter a Quilt — Houston Joy of Quilts 2027
Houston Joy of Quilts logo

Houston Joy of Quilts

A Juried & Judged Exhibition  ·  Stafford Centre, Texas

Quilt Guild of Greater HoustonGolden Jubilee 50th Anniversary
↗ Visit the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston — qgghouston.org

Enter a Quilt

Share your creativity, craftsmanship, and passion with the community

Why enter?

Entering Houston Joy of Quilts is more than participating in a quilt show — it is an opportunity to share your creativity, craftsmanship, and passion with the community. Whether your quilt is judged or displayed for exhibition only, every entry represents countless hours of planning, stitching, problem-solving, and artistic expression.

By entering a quilt, you become part of a tradition that spans generations. Your participation helps inspire fellow quilters, educate the public about the artistry and skill involved in quilting, and encourage future generations to learn and appreciate this timeless craft.

Every entry supports the mission of the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston. Entry fees fund educational programs, workshops, speakers, and community outreach efforts — and charitable projects that provide warmth, comfort, and hope to those in need.

Online entry only. All entries must be submitted through ArtCall. Quilts need not be completed at the time of registration. Entry deadline: November 28, 2026.

Entry fees

QGGH Members
$15
per item · unlimited entries
  • ✓ Unlimited entries
  • ✓ Max 2 quilts per category
  • ✓ All categories open
  • ✓ Dues paid by Jan 25, 2027
Non-Members
$40
per item · up to 3 entries
  • ✓ Up to 3 entries total
  • ✓ Max 2 quilts per category
  • ✓ Most categories open
  • ✗ Category 903 members only
Non-Judged / Display Only
$0
Category 904 — no charge
  • ✓ Display only — no ribbons
  • ✓ Entry form required
  • ✗ Subject to space availability
Fees are non-refundable after January 1, 2027.

Key dates

Nov 28, 2026

⚡ Entry deadline — all entries

Dec 8, 2026

Auction quilts completed & ready for photography

Jan 1, 2027

Entry fees become non-refundable

Jan 10, 2027

Acceptance confirmations sent

Jan 25, 2027

QGGH dues must be paid (members)

Jan 29–30, 2027

🎉 Houston Joy of Quilts Show

Divisions & categories

For quilters who have never been classified as a Master, have not earned >$2,000/year from quilt-related activity, have not formally taught intermediate/advanced techniques or judged a show in the past 5 years, and have not published an intermediate/advanced pattern or book in the last 5 years.
100
Artisan Pieced Large (1-Person)
Sum of all sides ≥299”
101
Artisan Pieced Medium (1-Person)
239”–298”
102
Artisan Pieced Small (1-Person)
Sum of all sides <238”
103
Artisan Appliqué (1-Person)
Predominantly appliqué
104
Artisan Mixed Technique (1-Person)
Balance of 2+ techniques
105
Artisan Pieced (2-Person)
Two people involved
106
Artisan Appliqué (2-Person)
Predominantly appliqué, two people
107
Artisan Mixed Technique (2-Person)
Two or more techniques, two people
108
Artisan Art Quilt, Original Design
Non-traditional, original. No side <12”
Required if: previously classified as Masters; earned >$2,000/year from quilt-related activity; formally taught or judged in the past 5 years; published a pattern/book in the last 5 years; or won Best of Show and/or three First Place Ribbons.
200
Masters Pieced Large (1-Person)
Sum ≥299”
201
Masters Pieced Medium (1-Person)
239”–298”
202
Masters Pieced Small (1-Person)
Sum <238”
203
Masters Appliqué (1-Person)
Predominantly appliqué
204
Masters Mixed Technique (1-Person)
2+ techniques
205
Masters Pieced (2-Person)
Two people involved
206
Masters Appliqué (2-Person)
Predominantly appliqué, two people
207
Masters Mixed Technique (2-Person)
Two or more techniques, two people
208
Masters Art Quilt, Original Design
Non-traditional, original. No side <12”
Open Division categories are not classified by Artisan or Master level — open to all quilters.
300
Art Quilt from a Pattern
Non-traditional, from a pattern. No side <12”
400
Other Techniques
Embroidery, crazy quilts, wholecloth, yo-yos, redwork, painted
500
Group Quilt
Any size, 3 or more people
501
Kit Quilt (1-Person)
Not eligible for Best of Show
502
Kit Quilt (2+ Persons)
Not eligible for Best of Show
600
Dimensional Work
Dolls, 3D work, wearables, bags
700
Miniature
Max 20” on any side. Blocks ≤4”
800
Modern
Minimalism, bold color, asymmetry, improvisational piecing
Special categories open to qualifying entrants.
900
First in Show
Your very first competition entry ever. Cannot enter other categories
901
Junior — Age 11 & Under
Any technique. Limited adult assistance OK
902
Junior — Age 12–17
Any technique. Limited adult assistance OK
903
Golden Jubilee Challenge
QGGH members only. Gold & white theme
904
Non-Judged / Display Only
Display only, no ribbon consideration. No entry fee

Key rules

  • All entries must consist of 3 layers (top, batting, backing) held together by hand or machine quilting
  • Entries must have been completed after January 2025 (exception: display-only quilts)
  • No false backs on judged entries — quilting must be visible from front and back
  • All entries must have a hanging sleeve at the top and a label at the lower right back corner
  • Entries must be show-ready: free of pet hair, loose threads, and strong odors
  • Online entry requires a clear photo (JPG, PNG, or GIF) · Min 540px, max 1920px
  • All entries must remain on display for the entire show
  • By entering, you grant QGGH the right to photograph your quilt for publicity purposes

Download documents

📄 Download Entry Rules (PDF) 📄 Download Divisions & Categories (PDF)

✦ Golden Jubilee Challenge

Golden Jubilee Challenge Categories

Category 1 — Bee Creative Quilt

Theme: Threads that Bind – 50 Years of Quilting. The Bee whose quilt generates the highest auction revenue wins!

1st: $500 · 2nd: $250 Quilt Store or Retreat Credit

Category 2 — Viewer’s Choice

Submit a quilt for the auction. The quilt with the most public votes earns a special award!

Prize: $200 Quilt Store or Retreat Credit

Category 3 — 50th Anniversary

Enter a quilt in the 50th Anniversary Challenge. Judges select the quilt most creatively reflecting our Golden Jubilee.

Prize: $250 Quilt Store or Retreat Credit

Meet our 2027 judges

Jackie Ruffing

NACQJ Certified Judge
📍 Tyler, Texas

Jackie Ruffing has been immersed in sewing and quilting for more than five decades. Inspired by a quilt made by her great-grandmother, she developed a lifelong passion for quilting that led her from hand quilting and pattern drafting to machine and longarm quilting. As the owner of a successful quilting business for more than twenty years, Jackie earned numerous awards including Best of Show and Exemplary Quilting honors.

Recently certified as a NACQJ Judge, Jackie brings a wealth of technical knowledge, competition experience, and a deep appreciation for all quilting styles. Her goal as a judge is to encourage creativity, celebrate achievement, and provide feedback that inspires quiltmakers to continue exploring their artistic journey.

Marilyn Hardy

NQA Certified Judge & Master Quilt Judge
📍 Tyler, Texas

Marilyn Hardy is a founding member of the Quilters Guild of East Texas and has served in numerous leadership roles including president, quilt show chairman, and newsletter editor. She was awarded a lifetime membership in recognition of her dedication and service.

Marilyn earned NQA certification in 2008 and later became a Master Quilt Judge. In 2012, she was selected as one of only three NQA Certified Judges to judge the national show in Columbus, Ohio. She continues to serve as Education Chair for the National Quilting Association.

NACQJ Award of Merit: In addition to show ribbon awards, the judging panel may present the NACQJ Award of Merit to one quilt exemplifying exceptional workmanship, design, and overall excellence. The recipient receives a commemorative rosette ribbon, a letter of congratulations from NACQJ, and is featured on the NACQJ website.

Online entry opens summer 2026. Every stitch tells a story — we can’t wait to see yours!

Enter Online via ArtCall →

✦ Proudly celebrating 50 years of quilting excellence in Houston, Texas · 1976 – 2026 ✦

© 2026 Quilt Guild of Greater Houston  |  qgghouston.org  |  Stafford Centre · 10505 Cash Road · Stafford, Texas 77477