Frequently asked questions

General

What is The Design Room Quilt Show?

It is a virtual, juried quilt exhibition. Each edition presents three real interior-design rooms. Quilters make a quilt for one of those rooms, submit four photographs, and a panel of judges reviews every entry blind — without knowing who made it.

Is this an in-person or online show?

The show is entirely virtual. Entries are submitted online, judging happens from photographs, and the public views the show floor on this website. The awards ceremony and lecture series are hosted on Zoom.

Who runs it?

The show is produced by TheQuiltHub.com with a panel of interior designers, quilt professionals and educators who change each edition.

Entering

How much does it cost to enter?

The entry fee is $35 USD per quilt. You may enter more than one quilt, and each entry requires its own fee.

Can I enter more than one quilt?

Yes. Each quilt is a separate entry with its own fee and room choice.

Can I enter the same quilt in more than one room?

No. Each quilt must be entered in exactly one room. Choose the brief that best fits the quilt you made.

What if my quilt is between size ranges?

Your finished quilt must fall within the size range stated in the room brief. Measure at the longest point in each direction, including binding. If it is outside the range, the entry will be returned for correction.

Do I need to finish my quilt before I enter?

Yes. The quilt must be complete, including binding and any quilting, before you submit your photographs.

Photographs

Why are photographs so important?

Because this is a virtual show, judges never see the quilt in person. Your photographs are the quilt as far as the judges are concerned. A well-photographed quilt gets a fair hearing.

What kind of camera do I need?

A modern smartphone is sufficient. Natural daylight, a neutral wall and a steady hand are more important than expensive gear.

Can I use a filter or edit the colour?

No. Photographs must be colour-accurate and unfiltered. Judges need to see the true palette, value and texture of your work.

Can my quilt be shown on a bed, sofa or mannequin?

The face-on shot must show the quilt flat and square to the camera. Extra shots may include styling, but the quilt must remain the subject and no identifying objects or signs may appear.

What is blind judging and why does it matter?

Judges do not see your name, your social handle, your watermark or your studio. This keeps the show fair. Any identifying mark in any photograph will cause the entry to be returned for correction.

Judging

How are quilts judged?

Entries pass through two rounds. In First Glance, judges review every entry and decide which advance. In Grading, advancing entries receive weighted scores across published criteria such as concept, composition, colour, craftsmanship and room fit.

What is Best in Show?

Best in Show is the quilt with the highest overall score from the grading round. It is not a popularity contest — it is determined entirely by the score cards.

What are the room winners?

The top-scoring quilt in each room, based on the grading scores.

What is Judge's Choice?

Each judge names one personal choice from the entire field. It reflects individual taste and may differ from the score-based winners.

What is People's Choice?

During the show floor window, the public can vote once per account for their favourite quilt. The quilt with the most votes wins People's Choice.

Prizes

What is the prize for Best in Show?

Best in Show receives a CA$5,000 cash prize. Other prizes include room winner awards, Judge's Choice recognition, People's Choice and sponsor-supported prize packs.

How are prizes paid?

Cash prizes are paid in the currency stated, by electronic transfer or cheque, to the address and account details in the winner's profile. Winners are responsible for any taxes or fees in their jurisdiction.

Do I keep copyright in my quilt?

Yes. You keep full ownership and copyright. By entering you grant us a licence to display the photographs for show, winners and promotional purposes.

Timeline

When do entries close?

Entries close at midnight in your local time on the published closing date. Add the deadline to your calendar from the Prepare page.

When does the show floor open?

The show floor opens when public voting begins, on the published voting date. That is also when the public can first see every approved entry.

When are winners announced?

Winners are revealed during the live awards ceremony, then published on the Winners page immediately after.

Support

I need help with my entry. Who do I contact?

Use the contact link in your account or email the show team. We aim to reply within one business day during the entry window.

My entry was sent back for a fix. What now?

You will receive an email explaining what needs to change. Log in, edit the entry, and resubmit before entries close. We recommend resubmitting as soon as possible.

Can I withdraw my entry?

You can withdraw an entry before entries close. The entry fee is not refunded.