The Quilt Alliance’s mission is to document, preserve, and share the stories of all quilts and all quiltmakers. We encourage everyone who makes quilts to become a member and enter our annual challenge regardless of their style (traditional, modern, art …), experience level, or technique (longarm, hand quilting, appliqué, pieced …). All are welcome and valued!

The Quilt Alliance is dedicated to the stories behind the quilts, so we’re challenging you to tell your story… with a quilt! We are thrilled to relaunch this annual tradition as a fun and educational membership benefit.  We are also challenging you to sharpen your documentation skills by including a label, a short artist statement, and optional video and audio documentation. Full instructions are included on the contest entry form.

QA members and nonmember entrants can access a free recorded Quilt Photography Workshop taught by Kitty Wilkin, including tips on taking photos of your quilt for the challenge. The video will be accessible through January 15, 2026. This is your chance to create a quilt that tells your story, and learn more about how to preserve that story through photographs, audio, and video.

The 2026 Challenge is free to Quilt Alliance members*, and $40 for non-members.

Design and make a quilt of any size or shape that tells your story. All entries will be submitted and judged online. No need to mail us your entry.

Required for each entry:

• • Creativity is encouraged, but your quilt should have 3 layers: top, middle, and back connected by stitches.
  • Must have a label attached with a minimum of: maker name, location made, date finished.
  • Submission should include 2-3 photographs: full quilt photo, a detail photo, and an optional label photo
  • Written artist statement
    

Additional materials strongly encouraged with each entry:

• • An audio recording of your artist statement (record right in the entry form)
  • Go Tell It video recording (DIY info)

Quilt Alliance members will vote online to select First, Second, and Third-place finishers. We’ll also have a prize for Best Label and other categories to be announced. Prizes are provided by our generous sponsors. Due to current shipping costs, entrants from outside North America are not eligible for prizes.

*One entry per member included with membership; additional entries are $10/ea; max of 5 entries per member.

Grand Prize: a Bernina Bernette 37!

The Bernette 37 is the first of the two Bernette computerized models. It offers an extensive range of helpful functions and impressive stitch quality.

Winner: Holly Panzera
1. Inspired by Sisters

First Prize: Aurifil’s 8wt Best Selection box

features 45 gorgeous colors of our thickest 100% Cotton 2ply thread. This box represents all available colors of this luxurious thread weight delivered in a custom fabric box with a magnetic closure. 

Winner: Geneva Carroll
14. Sewing Seams and Chasing Dreams

Second Prize: Oliso M3Pro Set
Includes: M3Pro project iron, Small Carry Bag, and Wool MultiMat

Winner: Ann Bordeau
13. Birds of a Feather

Third Prize: Olfa Prize Pack
Includes: 5-Inch SCS-4 Precision Appliqué Scissors, RM-HG-01/YEL 6”x18” Double-Sided Self-Healing Rotary Mat, Yellow, and 45mm RTY-2/NS Quick-Change Rotary Cutter.

Winner: Emily Milbauer
5. Imperfection, Trust, Takotbuso Cardiomyopathy II

Best Label Prize: Mistyfuse.com $250 credit
Use for products on the Mistyfuse.com website, plus $25 credit towards shipping. 

Winner: Laura Guertin
7. It Me

Special Prize: Hobbs.com

A selection of Hobbs batting

Winner: Katherine Dossman
20. Pieces of me

Special Prize: Schiffer Craft

A selection of Schiffer Craft titles

Winner: Melanie Moschella
10. Caregiver Journey, Part 1