AUSTRALIA'S premier quilt competition, the Australian Quilt Show Challenge is back in 2025 and is now calling for entries.

The competition, sponsored by Janome and Expertise Events Pty Ltd, invites passionate quilters nationwide to showcase their artistry and have their work displayed at Australia’s premier quilting events.

The competition is open to all Australian quilters.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or exploring quilting for the first time, this is a chance to gain national recognition, share your work with a supportive audience and be part of a legacy celebrating Australia’s rich quilting tradition.

Renowned quilter Sue De Vanny (VIC) described the competition as a “vibrant tapestry of creativity, innovation, and storytelling,” highlighting its ability to offer exposure and foster a supportive artistic community.

Gloria Loughman (VIC), a three-time participant, praised the quilting challenge’s unique format, which brings quilts to audiences nationwide and offers a wealth of prestigious prizes.

Susan Sheath (WA) emphasised the significance of this national stage, noting how it encourages quilters to showcase diverse styles, from traditional to modern and abstract, beyond local forums.

Quilting is more than a craft; it’s a vibrant community that fosters creativity, and connection with like-minded makers and promotes positive well-being.

The competition is the perfect way to use your holiday ‘downtime’ to create something new or showcase any work that was created between December 2023 and February 2025.

The challenge welcomes entries in seven exciting categories including Modern Quilt, Traditional Quilt, Art or Pictorial Quilt, Pieced and/or Appliqued Quilt, Recycled and Restyled, Embroidered by Hand or Machine and the inspiring Emerging Talent category for entrants aged 21 and under.

Judging will be based on the excellence in design, craftsmanship and interpretation of the theme where applicable.

Special awards will be given to celebrate creativity, innovation and craftsmanship, making this an unmissable opportunity for quilters of all styles and skill levels.

This year has an outstanding prize pool of $37,297 where the ‘Best in Show’ winner will take home a grand prize of $10,000 cash and the category winners and special award winners will be awarded cash prizes (total value of $8900) and be in the running to win one of three Janome sewing machine prizes (valued at $5999 each).

The deadline for submissions is February 20, 2025 and the cost to enter is $35 per item.

The Australian Quilt Show prize winners will be celebrated and recognised at the Australasian Quilt Convention (AQC) from April 10-13 2025, at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.

The finalists’ quilts will be displayed at AQC and the Craft & Quilt Fairs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Visit https://craftevents.com.au/aqs_enter-your-quilt_2025/ for more information and submission details.