Level 5, 276 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 (Wednesday and Friday 11am-2pm) - Tel: 612 9283 3737 - email: office@quiltnsw.com

Sydney Quilt Show 2025

Sydney Quilt Show

The annual Sydney Quilt Show is the centrepiece of the QuiltNSW Exhibition and can only be seen at the QuiltNSW Exhibition.

To enter, you need to be a current QuiltNSW member and your quilt top needs to be finished at the time of entry. The show is not juried and we welcome entries from all quilters both amateur and professional. There are categories for quilts ranging from traditional to contemporary to modern and for a diverse range of styles, techniques, and themes. 

Members can enter a maximum of two quilts and if you have not entered your quilt previously, QuiltNSW really encourages you to do so. It is a wonderful experience to see your work hanging in the Show. If you do not want your quilt judged you may enter your quilt into the For Joy of Sharing category.

QuiltNSW is a volunteer-run organisation, and the Sydney Quilt Show is also powered by volunteers. While volunteering is not mandatory, all entrants are encouraged to participate in some way during the Show period. Volunteers can access the Volunteer Lounge and should expect to pay an entrance fee at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.

Join us to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and community as we showcase the exquisite talents of our members and the vibrant artistry of quilting.

Key Dates

  • Entries open at 9 am, Thursday, 1 May 2025
  • Entries close at 5 pm, Sunday, 25 May 2025 
  • Acceptance Notifications will be sent on Monday, 7 July 2024
  • Last day to deliver quilts to Drop Off Volunteers Saturday, 23 August 2025
  • Volunteer form opens – TBA
  • Prize Winners announced at the QuiltNSW Exhibition Thursday, 18 September 2025
  • QuiltNSW Exhibition Thursday, 18 September to Saturday, 20 September 2025

Handbook

This online handbook is a collection of resources to assist QuiltNSW members in preparing their entry for the QuiltNSW Exhibition 2025 Sydney Quilt Show,

Note: all entrants must be members of QuiltNSW to participate in the quilt show.

We strongly recommend downloading the Hanging Sleeve and Quilt Label instructions documents if you are an entrant. These contain crucial information that will ensure your quilts are show-ready.

If you need assistance, please contact one of the following.

 

Categories & Conditions of Entry: includes definitions for categories and awards.

Worksheet: review the worksheet to gather all the information you need to complete the online entry form.

FlowChart: No matter what kind of quilt you make, there’s a place for you to share it. Follow the flow chart to help you choose your category.

Hanging Sleeve and Label Instructions: Instructions on hanging sleeve and quilt label instructions, current at of 2 June 2024

 

Summary of Changes in 2025

General Changes:

Label requirements: the minimum information to be on your quilt label is maker’s name, quilt name and year made.

Junior Entrants only need to be sponsored by a QuiltNSW member as per the Junior and Youth Quilt Block Challenge. This has been updated to encourage entries in the Junior and Youth categories.

Category Updates:

  1. Other Techniques:

Quilts with predominant features that do not fit any other category, including Art and Pictorial, where the main technique is not piecing or appliqué. This includes whole cloth hand and machine embroidery, crazy quilting, embellishment, fabric manipulation, and coverlets. Coverlets must only be two layers.

Minimum size 40 x 40cm / Maximum size 260 x 260cm

  1. Art Quilt

For abstract or figurative quilts made predominantly of fabric comprised of at least two full layers stitched together. An original exploration of a concept or idea reflecting the creativity of the quilt maker. Work can be “inspired by” something but must not be a copy.

Max size 260 x 260cm. Also see Condition of Entry 25.

2025 Special Categories:

  1. Log Cabin – Quilted by Self (Amateur)
  2. Log Cabin – Quilted by Another (Amateur)
  3. Log Cabin – Quilted by Self (Professional)
  4. Log Cabin – Quilted by Another (Professional)

Awards:

Best Modern Design and Movable Machine Quilting have been split into Amateur and Professional

Prize Winners

The 2025 prize winners will be announced at the QuiltNSW Exhibition Thursday, 18 September 2025.

Details of the winners will be posted here after the official announcements.

Quilt Show Online Entry Form Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What payment methods can be used with the online entry form?

The online entry form accepts credit card payments only.

Is it compulsory to use the online entry form?

Yes. Use the Worksheet to plan your online entry. Contact quiltshow@quiltnsw.com if you require assistance.

What computer equipment do I need to complete the entry form online?

The form is designed for Windows and Macintosh computers with a web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or Chrome) and an internet connection.

Can I fill out the form on my smartphone or tablet?

Yes, the form can be completed on a smartphone or tablet.  We recommend using a computer if available.

What information do I need to complete the online entry form?

You will need the following items.  Get them ready before you start!

  • Quilt details: title, size, category, 40word description etc
  • quilt photo(s) in jpg format – less than 5MB file size. Sample label: LastnameInitial1.jpg e.g. JonesB1.jpg
  • design source details: e.g. publication, kit/block of the month, artwork, photograph.
  • Copyright permission(s) (if applicable – see Condition10) in jpg, PDF or Word format – less than 2MB file size. Sample label LastNameInitialDesignConsent1 e.g.JonesBDesignConsent1.jpg

Can I stop in the middle of the entry form and come back to it?

The online form follows the same sequence as the worksheet and includes sections for Quiltmaker Details, Quilt Details, Awards and Quiltmaker Declaration. If you need to pause along the way, click on the Save and Continue Later link at the bottom of the form and follow the prompts. Your data (apart from attachments) will be saved for you to return to later.
 
You will also be able to review your completed entry formand make changes prior to final submission.

How do I get my photos the right size?

As per condition 9, QuiltNSW requires a good quality photo showing the entire quilt up to whatever stage it is at.  For the purposes of the online entry form, the photo must in jpg format and the file size must not exceed 5MB. 

If your camera is set to take high resolution/large photos, it is likely that you will have to resize your photo.  Around 2MB is ideal (say 1800 pixels on the longest side).  Most photo-editing programs have resizing functions.  In addition, your computer may have built-in tools for resizing images.   Here are some tutorial links:

Please label your images correctly with your last name, first initial and entry number.  For example, for two entries, the photos would be labelled JonesB1.jpg and JonesB2.jpg.

How do I prepare my copyright permissions (if applicable)?

Such materials may be uploaded in one or more documents.Permitted formats: jpg, Word doc/docx or PDF. File size must be at most 5MB.  Label the documents as follows:

  • Copyright Permissions: LastNameInitialDesignConsent1.filetype e.g. JonesBDesignConsent1.docx

Note: Permission to display and publish a quilt made from a commercially available pattern, including a quilt kit, Block of the Month, or a pattern from a book or magazine, is NOT necessary.

Uploading large files may take several minutes, depending on your internet connection.

How will I know if my online entry form and payment has been received?

If your entry and payment are successfully processed.  You will receive a confirmation e-mail containing your receipt number and a separate email with a copy of your completed entry form.
 
If you notice an error in your entry, please notify quiltshow@quiltnsw.com promptly.
 
Please check your junk or spam mail folder if you do not receive a confirmation e-mail.