Walla Walla Valley Quilt Festival       https://wallawallaquiltfestival.org

Quilt Challenge

2025 Quilt Challenge Theme: Improv

Create your interpretation in a piece that is:

Any shape, but the combined total of all sides of the quilt cannot be less than 72 inches or more than 160 inches. inches (for example, an 18” X 18” quilt equals 72”; a 40” X 40” quilt equals 160”). A round quilt cannot have a diameter greater than 40 inches.

In the world of quilting, creativity meets spontaneity in the WWVQF Improv Quilt Challenge, a dynamic and colorful competition which invites quilters of all skill levels to shep outside their comfort zones. Unlike traditional quilting contests that rely on patters and precision, this challenge emphasizes free-form design, bold experimentation, and personal expression.

The following items and/or techniques MAY be used in this challenge: 

  • Your imagination
  • Rotary cutters, scissors, rulers
  • Straight or zigzag machine stitching only
  • Hand embroidery
  • Fabric and thread of your choice
  • Pins, glue, and fusible interfacing
  • Free motion quilting and/or hand quilting

The following items and/or techniques MAY NOT be used in this challenge.

  • Computerized decorative quilting
  • Domestic sewing machine decorative stitches
  • Patterns (commercial or homemade), paper piecing, English paper piecing

 The Challenge quilts will be judged on:

  1. Appropriateness to theme
  2. Workmanship
  3. Creativity
  4. Design
  5. Use of Color

The decision of the judge(s) will be final. Cash prizes will be awarded:

  • 1st place - $250.00
  • 2nd place - $150.00
  • 3rd place - $75.00.
  • People’s Choice - Ribbon

GUIDELINES FOR QUILT CHALLENGE ENTRY

The design of your quilt may be original, traditional or a combination of old and new. If the design is based on another design you have seen, please acknowledge the original quilt maker.

  • Your quilt must consist of top, batting, and backing. It must be fastened together with machine quilting, hand quilting, or ties.
  • Your quilt may be pieced and/or appliquéd, and embellished in any way.
  • The quilt can be of any shape, but the combined total of all sides of the quilt cannot be less than 72 inches nor more than 160
  • You may use any fabric(s) of your choice. The choices should reflect the theme of the Challenge.
  • Items must have a CLOTH LABEL with a minimum of the quilter’s name, city, state and title of the entry and must be firmly attached to the back of the quilt (paper label is not acceptable).

Guidelines for Quilt Challenge Entry

The design of your quilt may be original, traditional or a combination of old and new. If the design is based on another design you have seen, please acknowledge the original quilt maker.

  • Your quilt must consist of top, batting, and backing. It must be fastened together with machine quilting, hand quilting, or ties.
  • Your quilt may be pieced and/or appliquéd, and embellished in any way.
  • The quilt can be of any shape, but the combined total of all sides of the quilt cannot be less than 72 inches nor more than 160
  • Hanging sleeve is required
  • You may use any fabric(s) of your choice. The choices should reflect the theme of the Challenge.
  • Items must have a CLOTH LABEL with a minimum of the quilter’s name, city, state and title of the entry and must be firmly attached to the back of the quilt (paper label is not acceptable).
  • Challenge quilts will be judged on appropriateness to theme, workmanship, creativity, design and use of color. The decision of the judge(s) will be final.