At the Plano Quilt Show, we take great pride in the quality and expertise of our judging panel. Our esteemed quilt judges bring years of experience, knowledge, and a keen eye for detail to the table. Whether you’re entering your quilt into the competition or simply attending the show, you’ll appreciate the care and attention that goes into evaluating each piece. Our judges look for creativity, technical excellence, and overall presentation in each submission, ensuring that only the finest quilts are recognized.

Our judges come from diverse backgrounds in the quilting world. Each brings a unique perspective, ensuring that every quilt is judged fairly and with attention to its specific technique and style. Here’s a look at some of the judges who will be evaluating quilts at this year’s show:

Linda Johnson is a certified quilt appraiser and judge with over 35 years of experience in quilting. She has judged national and international quilt shows and is a well-known author of books on quilt history. Linda specializes in traditional quilting techniques and is particularly focused on the historical context of quilts. Her keen eye for detail and deep knowledge of quilting history make her an invaluable judge at our show.

Rebecca Martinez has been a part of the modern quilting movement since its inception and has been a judge for several high-profile quilt shows. With a background in textile design, Rebecca brings an innovative approach to judging modern quilts. She’s known for her ability to assess the technical aspects of quilting, such as color balance, composition, and the use of negative space, while still appreciating artistic expression.

As a seasoned quilter and educator, Gary Thompson is a highly sought-after judge for his expertise in free motion quilting. He has taught quilting workshops across the country and is recognized for his ability to evaluate complex stitching patterns and the precision of free motion techniques. Gary’s background as both an instructor and a competitor gives him a unique understanding of what it takes to create a show-worthy quilt.

The judging process at the Plano Quilt Show is thorough and transparent, with judges evaluating each quilt based on several key criteria. These standards ensure that every quilt is assessed fairly, regardless of style, technique, or experience level of the quilter.

One of the most critical aspects of judging is the creativity and originality of the quilt. Judges look for quilts that stand out through innovative designs, unique interpretations of traditional patterns, or completely original works. Creativity can be shown through:

• Color choices: Bold or harmonious use of color that enhances the quilt’s overall design.
• Unique patterns: A fresh take on traditional quilting patterns or the introduction of new, imaginative designs.
• Innovative techniques: Quilters who incorporate unconventional materials, textures, or methods in their work often catch the judges’ attention.

Quilting is an art form that demands precision. Whether a quilt is pieced by hand or machine, judges will closely examine the technical execution. This includes:

• Seam alignment: Perfectly aligned seams that ensure the quilt blocks are uniform and consistent.
• Stitching quality: Even and regular stitches, with no visible knots or thread bunching.
• Borders and binding: Clean and even borders with secure binding that complements the overall design.

The judges also evaluate the use of color, composition, and design elements. Color balance is essential, as it can either enhance or detract from the overall impact of the quilt. Judges look for:

• Color harmony: The relationship between colors used in the quilt. Are the colors complementary? Do they create the intended effect?
• Design balance: A well-balanced composition, where the different elements of the quilt work together to form a cohesive whole.
• Movement and flow: Does the quilt draw the viewer’s eye across the piece in an intentional way?

A quilt’s final presentation is also critical. Even the most creative quilt may lose points if the finishing isn’t up to standard. Judges will check for:

• Straight edges: Ensure that the quilt’s edges are straight and that there is no warping.
• Binding quality: The binding should be neat and secure, without loose threads or uneven stitching.
• Backing and overall feel: While the quilt top is the primary focus, judges will also assess the quilt’s backing and overall structure. A well-made quilt should feel sturdy and lie flat when displayed.

This category focuses on quilts that follow established patterns and methods, often featuring classic block designs such as the Log Cabin or Double Wedding Ring. Judges look for precision in piecing and adherence to traditional quilting rules, while still encouraging personal touches that make the quilt unique.

Art quilts are a more experimental category where quilters use textiles as a medium for artistic expression. These quilts often incorporate mixed media, non-traditional materials, and abstract designs. Judges evaluate both the technical skill and the conceptual depth of these pieces.

In the appliqué category, quilts are judged based on the quality of the appliqué work. Judges will closely examine the edges of appliqué pieces, checking for smooth curves, sharp points, and even stitching. Both hand and machine appliqué are accepted in this category.

Modern quilts emphasize simplicity, clean lines, and innovative use of color and negative space. In this category, judges are looking for bold designs, asymmetry, and creative interpretations of traditional quilting methods.

Each year, the Plano Quilt Show offers several prestigious awards, including:

• Best of Show: Awarded to the quilt that exhibits the highest level of craftsmanship, creativity, and overall impact.
• First Place: Given to the top quilt in each category.
• Judge’s Choice: Each judge selects their personal favorite quilt, regardless of category.
• People’s Choice: Voted on by the attendees, this award goes to the quilt that resonates most with the public.

The judging process begins before the show officially opens to the public. Judges are given ample time to examine each quilt thoroughly, taking into account the criteria mentioned above. Each quilt is assessed individually, and judges will often compare quilts in the same category to ensure consistency.

At the Plano Quilt Show, we believe in offering constructive feedback to all participants. Entrants will receive written comments from the judges, highlighting the strengths of their quilt and offering suggestions for improvement where applicable. This feedback is designed to encourage quilters to continue honing their craft and inspire future projects.

If you would like to submit your quilt for judging, visit the Quilt Entry Page on our website. Be sure to review the submission guidelines and deadlines to ensure your quilt is eligible. You’ll need to provide detailed information about your quilt, including its size, materials used, and the category in which you are entering.

The judging process at the Plano Quilt Show is designed to celebrate the skill and creativity of quilters from all backgrounds. With a panel of experienced and knowledgeable judges, each quilt is given the attention and respect it deserves. Whether you’re entering a quilt for competition or attending to enjoy the artistry on display, the expertise of our judges ensures a memorable and inspiring experience for all.