Important Dates
May 4 - QF entry forms due
July 6 - WIP entry photos due
July 22 (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.) Quilt Drop off at Civic Center
July 22 (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.) Quilt Drop off for Quilts for Sale and Antique Quilts
July 24 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Quilt Show hours
July 25 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Quilt Show hours
July 25 (5:30-7 pm) Quilt Pick up
Note: You MUST have the check-in card you received when you dropped off your quilt with you to pick it up. You may assign a designee to pick up the quilt, but they must have this card.
July 6 - WIP entry photos due
July 22 (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.) Quilt Drop off at Civic Center
July 22 (4:00 to 6:00 p.m.) Quilt Drop off for Quilts for Sale and Antique Quilts
July 24 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Quilt Show hours
July 25 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Quilt Show hours
July 25 (5:30-7 pm) Quilt Pick up
Note: You MUST have the check-in card you received when you dropped off your quilt with you to pick it up. You may assign a designee to pick up the quilt, but they must have this card.
Quilt Show Location
New Braunfels Civic Center
375 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Come to the Castell Street entrance (on the back of the building near the parking lot).
375 S Castell Ave
New Braunfels, TX 78130
Come to the Castell Street entrance (on the back of the building near the parking lot).
Quilt submission deadline for paper entries is May 4.
The deadline for electronic WIP entries is July 6.
Rules for Entering a Quilt in the Show
- All entries must have been completed within five (5) years from the date of the festival, except for wearable arts, which must have been completed since July 2024. Entries from previous NBAQG festivals will NOT be accepted.
- Quilt entry is free for the first three (3) quilts for NBAQG members. Any additional entries will cost $35 per entry. Quilt entry fee for non-members is $45 per entry.
- There is a maximum of three judged entries per person. Each item submitted must have its own entry form and photographs.
- Entry forms and applicable fees must be received by May 4, 2026. Based on available space, the quilt festival co-chairs reserve the right to limit the total number of entries received or shorten the entry deadline.
- Each entry form must include two identical color digital scans or traditional color photographs for security and identification purposes only. Entrant must write his/her name on the back of the photos and attach them to the upper right-hand corner of the entry form. Works “in progress” will be accepted, but a photo of the entry nearing completion must be submitted by e-mail no later than July 6, 2026.
- When determining if you are an Artisan or Master, you will use the provided flowchart.
- Quilt Placement Category, quilt measurements, and name of pattern maker or source (if not an original creation) must be indicated on the entry form.
- All entries will be fully displayed for the entire length of the festival except for unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
- Co-Chairs reserve the right to recategorize or to further define categories as necessary. The Co-Chairs also reserve the right to refuse submittals of any distasteful items or those that fail to meet entry criteria. Every effort will be made to inform the entrant of any changes before the festival.
- Entrants are responsible for insuring their own quilts. Group insurance is not available. NBAQG, the festival co-chairs, or the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center management shall not be held liable for loss or damage to quilt entries.
- During QuiltFest, you may offer your quilt for sale. If a quilt sells, you agree to donate 10% of the sales price to the Guild. Transactions will be conducted through the NBAQG Boutique at QuiltFest.
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Download these rules and guidelines by clicking on this file:
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QF CATEGORIES
Welcome! Below you will find the list of categories for the show (there is a list you can download at the bottom). The ENTRY FORM is also available to complete online or for download (scroll down).
100 Theme (Artisan)
The quilt must relate to the quilt show theme and will be judged as in all other categories. Any construction, technique, and quilting method is acceptable. This quilt may be made by more than one person.
110 Theme (Master)
The quilt must relate to the quilt show theme and will be judged as in all other categories. Any construction, technique, and quilting method is acceptable. This quilt may be made by more than one person.
200 First Entry Quilt
The quilt must be the first quilted project entered into a judged show. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. The quilt top must be completely done by the entrant; however, quilting may be done by another person.
300 Pieced Quilt, Large (Artisan)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is at least 280”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
310 Pieced Quilt, Large (Master)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is at least 280”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
400 Pieced Quilt, Medium (Artisan)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 190” and 279”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
410 Pieced Quilt, Medium (Master)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 190” and 279”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
500 Pieced Quilt, Small (Artisan)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 96” and 189”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
510 Pieced Quilt, Small (Master)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 96” and 189”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
600 Hand Quilted
The quilt may be hand-pieced or machine-pieced, but it must be hand-quilted. Any size is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
700 Group Quilts (including Block Exchanges)
This category is for groups of quilters who have worked together to create a quilt of any size, construction, and quilting method. A “group” is defined as three (3) or more persons, including the quilter. Kits and Block of the Month constructions are not allowed in this category.
800 Applique
The quilt must be 70% or more appliqued (either hand-stitched or otherwise applied to the surface of another fabric). It may be either hand-quilted or machine-quilted. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
900 Wearables and Home Décor
This item is NOT a quilt. It includes clothing, home décor, table runners, bags, etc. It must be made with fabric.
1000 Embroidery
The quilt must display at least 70% embroidery. Some piecing and appliqué are acceptable. May be either hand-embroidered or machine-embroidered. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1100 Scrappy Quilts
The quilt can be any size. It must consist of at least 60 different fabrics. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1200 Miniature (Artisan)
The quilt must be no more than 24” on any side. Any construction, design, and quilting method is acceptable. All aspects of the quilt must be proportionate to full-size quilts. This quilt may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1210 Miniature (Master)
The quilt must be no more than 24” on any side. Any construction, design, and quilting method is acceptable. All aspects of the quilt must be proportionate to full-size quilts. This quilt may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1300 Original Art Quilts (Artisan)
The quilt must be an original design made with artistic intent, utilizing color, design, and construction techniques to create a work that expands beyond the traditional quilt format. Quilts will be judged based on creative design and artistic expression. Workmanship is important, but the design will carry more weight. These creations may include embellishments (buttons, beads, embroidery, hot-fixed crystals, yarn, trim, ribbon, yo-yos, and all types of thread work). Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1310 Original Art Quilts (Master)
The quilt must be an original design made with artistic intent, utilizing color, design, and construction techniques to create a work that expands beyond the traditional quilt format. Quilts will be judged based on creative design and artistic expression. Workmanship is important, but the design will carry more weight. These creations may include embellishments (buttons, beads, embroidery, hot-fixed crystals, yarn, trim, ribbon, yo-yos, and all types of thread work). Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1320 Open Art Quilts
This quilt is made from a pattern, class, or kit and is not an original design. The quilt may be any size, and any construction and quilting method is acceptable. It may be made by more than one person and may be professionally quilted. It may be inspired by a commercial pattern or made with a pre-printed panel.
1400 Mixed Techniques (Artisan)
The quilt must have a fairly even balance of both piecework and appliqué, along with other techniques used to develop the top's design. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1410 Mixed Techniques (Master)
The quilt must have a fairly even balance of both piecework and appliqué, along with other techniques used to develop the top's design. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1500 Special Techniques (Artisan)
The quilt must include specific techniques or collaborations used to create the piece, including embroidery, cathedral windows, redwork, wholecloth, crazy quilts, yoyo quilts, panel quilts, home décor, holiday-themed designs, and other design elements. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1510 Special Techniques (Master)
The quilt must include specific techniques or collaborations used to create the piece, including embroidery, cathedral windows, redwork, wholecloth, crazy quilts, yoyo quilts, panel quilts, home décor, holiday-themed designs, and other design elements. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1600 Kits and Block of the Month (Artisan)
The quilt must be made from a kit (defined as a purchased pattern with pre-selected fabrics) purchased from a shop, catalog, or magazine. This includes pre-printed whole-cloth quilts. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1610 Kits and Block of the Month (Master)
The quilt must be made from a kit (defined as a purchased pattern with pre-selected fabrics) purchased from a shop, catalog, or magazine. This includes pre-printed whole-cloth quilts. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1700 Modern (Artisan)
Modern quilts take a novel approach to traditional quilting, including asymmetry, simplicity and minimalism, reinterpretation of traditional blocks, alternative block structures, increased negative space, and improvisational piecing. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1710 Modern (Master)
Modern quilts take a novel approach to traditional quilting, including asymmetry, simplicity and minimalism, reinterpretation of traditional blocks, alternative block structures, increased negative space, and improvisational piecing. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1800 - Guild Challenge
This is a non-judged category. The quilt must be made from the NBAQG 2025 Pizza Box blocks.
1900 Quilts Made by Youth
This is a non-judged category with participation ribbons only. The quilt must be made by a child under the age of 16. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
2000 Exhibit Quilts
This is a non-judged category. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. The construction year does not apply.
DOWNLOAD THE CATEGORIES BELOW:
The quilt must relate to the quilt show theme and will be judged as in all other categories. Any construction, technique, and quilting method is acceptable. This quilt may be made by more than one person.
110 Theme (Master)
The quilt must relate to the quilt show theme and will be judged as in all other categories. Any construction, technique, and quilting method is acceptable. This quilt may be made by more than one person.
200 First Entry Quilt
The quilt must be the first quilted project entered into a judged show. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. The quilt top must be completely done by the entrant; however, quilting may be done by another person.
300 Pieced Quilt, Large (Artisan)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is at least 280”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
310 Pieced Quilt, Large (Master)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is at least 280”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
400 Pieced Quilt, Medium (Artisan)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 190” and 279”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
410 Pieced Quilt, Medium (Master)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 190” and 279”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
500 Pieced Quilt, Small (Artisan)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 96” and 189”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
510 Pieced Quilt, Small (Master)
The sum of all sides of the quilt is between 96” and 189”. The top construction is predominantly pieced by machine or by hand. The quilt may not be made by more than two people.
600 Hand Quilted
The quilt may be hand-pieced or machine-pieced, but it must be hand-quilted. Any size is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
700 Group Quilts (including Block Exchanges)
This category is for groups of quilters who have worked together to create a quilt of any size, construction, and quilting method. A “group” is defined as three (3) or more persons, including the quilter. Kits and Block of the Month constructions are not allowed in this category.
800 Applique
The quilt must be 70% or more appliqued (either hand-stitched or otherwise applied to the surface of another fabric). It may be either hand-quilted or machine-quilted. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
900 Wearables and Home Décor
This item is NOT a quilt. It includes clothing, home décor, table runners, bags, etc. It must be made with fabric.
1000 Embroidery
The quilt must display at least 70% embroidery. Some piecing and appliqué are acceptable. May be either hand-embroidered or machine-embroidered. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1100 Scrappy Quilts
The quilt can be any size. It must consist of at least 60 different fabrics. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1200 Miniature (Artisan)
The quilt must be no more than 24” on any side. Any construction, design, and quilting method is acceptable. All aspects of the quilt must be proportionate to full-size quilts. This quilt may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1210 Miniature (Master)
The quilt must be no more than 24” on any side. Any construction, design, and quilting method is acceptable. All aspects of the quilt must be proportionate to full-size quilts. This quilt may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1300 Original Art Quilts (Artisan)
The quilt must be an original design made with artistic intent, utilizing color, design, and construction techniques to create a work that expands beyond the traditional quilt format. Quilts will be judged based on creative design and artistic expression. Workmanship is important, but the design will carry more weight. These creations may include embellishments (buttons, beads, embroidery, hot-fixed crystals, yarn, trim, ribbon, yo-yos, and all types of thread work). Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1310 Original Art Quilts (Master)
The quilt must be an original design made with artistic intent, utilizing color, design, and construction techniques to create a work that expands beyond the traditional quilt format. Quilts will be judged based on creative design and artistic expression. Workmanship is important, but the design will carry more weight. These creations may include embellishments (buttons, beads, embroidery, hot-fixed crystals, yarn, trim, ribbon, yo-yos, and all types of thread work). Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1320 Open Art Quilts
This quilt is made from a pattern, class, or kit and is not an original design. The quilt may be any size, and any construction and quilting method is acceptable. It may be made by more than one person and may be professionally quilted. It may be inspired by a commercial pattern or made with a pre-printed panel.
1400 Mixed Techniques (Artisan)
The quilt must have a fairly even balance of both piecework and appliqué, along with other techniques used to develop the top's design. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1410 Mixed Techniques (Master)
The quilt must have a fairly even balance of both piecework and appliqué, along with other techniques used to develop the top's design. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1500 Special Techniques (Artisan)
The quilt must include specific techniques or collaborations used to create the piece, including embroidery, cathedral windows, redwork, wholecloth, crazy quilts, yoyo quilts, panel quilts, home décor, holiday-themed designs, and other design elements. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1510 Special Techniques (Master)
The quilt must include specific techniques or collaborations used to create the piece, including embroidery, cathedral windows, redwork, wholecloth, crazy quilts, yoyo quilts, panel quilts, home décor, holiday-themed designs, and other design elements. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. It may not be made by more than two people, including the quilter.
1600 Kits and Block of the Month (Artisan)
The quilt must be made from a kit (defined as a purchased pattern with pre-selected fabrics) purchased from a shop, catalog, or magazine. This includes pre-printed whole-cloth quilts. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1610 Kits and Block of the Month (Master)
The quilt must be made from a kit (defined as a purchased pattern with pre-selected fabrics) purchased from a shop, catalog, or magazine. This includes pre-printed whole-cloth quilts. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1700 Modern (Artisan)
Modern quilts take a novel approach to traditional quilting, including asymmetry, simplicity and minimalism, reinterpretation of traditional blocks, alternative block structures, increased negative space, and improvisational piecing. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1710 Modern (Master)
Modern quilts take a novel approach to traditional quilting, including asymmetry, simplicity and minimalism, reinterpretation of traditional blocks, alternative block structures, increased negative space, and improvisational piecing. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
1800 - Guild Challenge
This is a non-judged category. The quilt must be made from the NBAQG 2025 Pizza Box blocks.
1900 Quilts Made by Youth
This is a non-judged category with participation ribbons only. The quilt must be made by a child under the age of 16. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable.
2000 Exhibit Quilts
This is a non-judged category. Any size, construction, and quilting method is acceptable. The construction year does not apply.
DOWNLOAD THE CATEGORIES BELOW:
| 2026 QF CATEGORIES |
| MASTER vs ARTISAN |
Non-Member Payment Options
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If you are NOT a member and plan to submit a quilt entry for the show, there is a $45 fee per quilt.
There are two options for payment:
Keep in mind if payment is not received by May 30, 2026, the entry will be removed from the show. |
QF ENTRY PAPER FORM
Entry forms and applicable fees must be received by May 4, 2026. Based on available space, the quilt festival co-chairs reserve the right to limit the total number of entries received or shorten the entry deadline.
Each entry form must include two identical color digital scans or traditional color photographs (4" x 6" only) for security and identification purposes only. Entrant must write his/her name on the back of the photos and attach them to the upper right-hand corner of the entry form. Works “in progress” will be accepted, but a photo of the entry nearing completion must be submitted by e-mail no later than July 6, 2026.
Submit the form in one of the following ways:
Use the Categories (listed above) to determine where your quilt should hang. When determining if you are an Artisan or Master, use the flowchart (above).
Each entry form must include two identical color digital scans or traditional color photographs (4" x 6" only) for security and identification purposes only. Entrant must write his/her name on the back of the photos and attach them to the upper right-hand corner of the entry form. Works “in progress” will be accepted, but a photo of the entry nearing completion must be submitted by e-mail no later than July 6, 2026.
Submit the form in one of the following ways:
- Mail it to: QuiltFest 2026, c/o Debbie McHolick, 5671 Copper Valley, New Braunfels, TX 78132
- Email it to: [email protected]
- Hand-deliver it to: QuiltFest table at a guild meeting.
Use the Categories (listed above) to determine where your quilt should hang. When determining if you are an Artisan or Master, use the flowchart (above).
| 2026 QF Entry Form |
AWARDS
First, second, third place and honorable mention awards will be given in each eligible category at the judges’ discretion. Judges may decide not to give all awards in each category if they feel that the entries do not warrant such awards.
One set of awards will be available for all categories. Ribbons will be awarded only to the entrant, but quilters will be acknowledged on the gallery cards and in the program.
Special awards include: Best of Festival, Judges’ Choice, Viewers’ Choice, Best Theme Quilt, Best Hand Quilting, and Best Machine Quilting.
One set of awards will be available for all categories. Ribbons will be awarded only to the entrant, but quilters will be acknowledged on the gallery cards and in the program.
Special awards include: Best of Festival, Judges’ Choice, Viewers’ Choice, Best Theme Quilt, Best Hand Quilting, and Best Machine Quilting.