Quilt Contest Entry

Road to California Quilt Contest

We are excited to share the rules for Road to California 2027 Quilt Contest! The online entry form will open August 8th at 10 am Pacific. Please click the link below to read the rules and categories for 2027.

Table of Contents
Rules
Category Descriptions
Timeline
Entry Instructions
Copyright Information
Jurying & Judging Process
Award & Prize Information
Shipping & Return Information
Insurance Requirements

Rules

Each entry must have been completed after January 1, 2025 and may not have been displayed at any previous Road to California Contest. Quilts that have been altered, amended, or modified at any date after the original completion date retain the original completion date.
Contestant is limited to 3 entries, 2 per category. If you sign the entry form, it counts as one of your limited entries. If you are listed as a maker, but another member enters the quilt, it does not count.
Entry must consist of three (3) distinct layers - top, middle layer, and backing. Quilts must be quilted by hand and/or machine. Crazy Quilts may be tied instead of quilted.
No pre-quilted fabrics may be used. No pre-marked wholecloth quilt tops may be used. Quilts made from kits will not be accepted. This includes, but is not limited to: block-of-the-month quilts made from fabrics pre-selected for the quilt maker.
No rigid frames, rods or mounting devices, or special lighting may accompany quilt. No rods or other apparatus (including frames) may be sewn into the sleeves of the quilt.
Quilts that require special handling will not be accepted. Your quilt must be able to be stacked with other quilts and boxed and/or rolled with other quilts without potential damage to your quilt or any other quilt in the show. Quilts that fall under this rule may be disqualified. The entrant will be notified and no fees refunded.
Multiple panel quilts and odd-shaped quilts with multiple panels must be mounted on black fabric containing a 4-inch sleeve. The top half these quilts must be securely sewn to the black fabric. The black fabric must not extend past the edges of the quilt. The back of the quilt must still be visible for judging purposes.
All quilts must have a 4-inch double sleeve attached to the top of the back of the quilt for display. No special hanging hardware will be accepted and quilts requiring special hanging instructions will be disqualified.
Quilts measuring longer than 86 inches must have a second 4 inch sleeve sewn at the bottom of the quilt across the entire width of the quilt. Quilts wider than 80 inches must have a gap in the sleeve at the half way point. Quilts without the proper sleeve are subject to disqualification.
Quilts must be labeled with maker’s name and contact information. The label must be basted over or covered with blue painters tape to preserve anonymity during the judging process.
All quilts should arrive clean and free of strong odors. Road to California reserves the right not to display an entry if the quality or condition does not meet Road to California’s standards upon a hands on inspection. In such a case, no fees will be refunded.
Quilt-for-hire quilting is acceptable. Any prize money for Best Quilting awards will be made out to the entrant who completed the entry form.
AirTags or GPS trackers are permitted. The device must be completely sewn into the quilt by the label.
Be sure to select the proper category for your entry. The jury reserves the right to change an entry category. The judges determine final category placement.
Each entry must include a digital image featuring the full view of the quilt and a digital image featuring a close-up view of the workmanship of the entry. Digital image must be 2,000 pixels on the smallest size and color correct.
The written description must be no longer than 450 characters. Road to California may edit the description at its sole discretion.
The use of Generative and other AI is permitted in the Road to California Contest, as long as the entrant includes a statement that the quilt was designed in part using AI.
The Road to California online entry fee is $30.
Entry deadline is October 2, 2026. A complete physical entry packet must be received by 3 PM PST; online entry closes at 11:59 PM.
All decisions of the jurors and judges are final. Road to California may disqualify any entry, including those that fail to follow the quilt contest rules.
Accepted entries must be available for judging and exhibition from December 23, 2026 to January 25, 2027. Entries hanging in the show may not be taken down early for any reason.
All entries must comply with Road to California, Inc.’s statement on copyright releases. It is the responsibility of the entrant to receive written permission if your quilt falls under our Copyright Release Requirements. Road to California, Inc., at its sole discretion, may request the written release from the entrant at any time. If Entrant fails to provide written permission, entry will be immediately disqualified, and if any prize money is due, prize money will be withheld.
Categories 1-6 must be Makers Original Interpretations or Original Designs. Please note: ALL categories must comply with the Road to California, Inc. Statement of Copyright.

Category Descriptions

Abstract – Quilts entered in this category should reflect principles of abstract design. Forms and compositions should emphasize color, line and design. Quilts should be abstract, cutting edge, and non-literal. No Minimum Perimeter; Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.
Animal – Quilts entered in this category should feature an animal or creature as the centerpiece of the quilt. Can include other sub-design elements, but the animal or creature must be the primary focus of the quilt. No Minimum Perimeter; Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.
Human Image – Quilts entered in this category should feature some recognizable aspect of the human form. No Minimum Perimeter; Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.
Improv - Quilts entered in this category have a visual design that emphasizes spontaneity, creative freedom, and working without a fixed pattern or template. Quilts should embrace the maker’s ability to explore and experiment with different shapes, negative space, and embrace unexpected and unique outcomes.
Naturescape – Quilts entered in this category should illustrate an aspect of natural scenery. Creatures and animals may be a component, but should not be the focus of the quilt. No Minimum Perimeter; Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.
Pictorial – Quilts entered in this category should illustrate a recognizable image (Cityscape, Wildlife). Use this category if your quilt combines aspects of the other categories listed above. No Minimum Perimeter; Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.

Quilts Entered in 1-6 must be original design or original interpretation in design.
Appliqué – Quilts entered in this category should reflect traditional principles but may deviate from tradition. The quilt should be composed of at least 50% appliqué, in any technique (fused, machine, hand, etc.) No Minimum Perimeter; Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.
Pieced – Quilts entered in this category should reflect traditional principles, but may deviate from tradition. The quilt should be constructed by piecing, either hand or machine. Wall - Maximum perimeter is 284 inches. Large - Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.
Mixed – Quilts entered in this category should reflect traditional principles, but may deviate from tradition. Enter your quilt in this category if the predominant construction method is a mix of both piecing and appliqué or if it includes one or more of the following construction techniques: whole cloth, crazy quilts, embroidery, and fabric manipulation. No Minimum Perimeter; Maximum perimeter is 480 inches.

Timeline

August 3, 2026 - Online Entry available
October 2, 2026 - Online Entry Closed
October 3 - November 27, 2026 - Jurying
November 27, 2026 - Jurying, Results Available
November 30 - December 23, 2026 - Accepted Entry Shipping Window
January 16 - 17, 2027 - Quilts Judged at Ontario Convention Center
January 19, 2027 - Winners Notified & Shipping Address Confirmation Sent
January 19 - 23, 2027 Road to California Quilters’ Conference
January 25, 2027 - Domestic Quilts Return Shipped Via UPS

Entry Instructions

You must have an account before entering a quilt.

Log in to your Road to California account.
After logging in, go to: https://online.roadtocalifornia.com/artworkentry.php
Under Division, select Quilt.
Under Style, choose the category that best fits your quilt.
Enter the Width and Height of your quilt.
After entering the dimensions, the Category drop-down menu will appear.
Important: You must select your category from this drop-down menu, even if you already selected it under Style. Your entry cannot be submitted unless a category is selected.
Complete the remainder of the entry form and click Enter to save your entry.
Once your entry has been created, you will be able to upload your two required quilt photos and pay your contest entry fee.
Your quilt entry is not complete until both photos have been uploaded and your entry fee has been paid.

Copyright Information

If you use the designs, photography, art, pattern or quilt created by another person as the source of your quilt’s design, you must obtain that individual’s written permission before displaying your quilt publicly and entering it for competition. This applies whether you have copied, altered, or used only a portion of the design.

This is considered derivative work, which by definition is “something that is based on another source” and “imitative of the work of another person.” Designs are considered intellectual property and are covered under the copyright laws of the United States.

Please note that when you see the word “permission” referenced in this document, it refers to written permission. Written permission is any written document (email included) that must be specific about what permission the copyright holder has granted you. It is important to keep the release for your records, and to be able to produce it when asked. This not only protects you, but releases any liability you may have with any show or venue where you display your work.

Please do not automatically send us your permission. We will request the copyright release should we feel it necessary given the circunstances.

I used someone's design as inspiration for my quilt.

Most quilters fall under this situation. If someone else’s work is identifiable in yours, you should still ask for their permission. If it is not identifiable, it is still common courtesy to credit the artist and the work that provided the inspiration on your entry form.

I purchased my pattern, book, or magazine. They sold the patterns to be used. Doesn't that give me all the permission I require?

Purchasing the pattern, book, or magazine simply gives you permission to make the quilt for your own use. To show it publicly, enter it into competition, or use it for commercial purposes, you must have the pattern designer's written permission.

How do I obtain the permission I need?

Check the inside cover pages of the book or magazine and the back of the pattern. You may find the contact information or the artist’s website information there. If the information is not printed there, contact the publisher and/or search for the artist’s website on the Internet.

Begin with a short letter or email. Tell the artist that you have made a quilt from their pattern or artwork and attach a photo. Ask their permission to enter it for competition and to publish photographs with proper credit given. Depending on the situation, you may need the publisher’s permission as well.

What if the designer denies permission?

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do. You can ask why. Always remember, you get farther with Honey than with Vinegar. If you still cannot get written permission from the copyright holder, you cannot enter you quilt to competition without putting yourself at risk of legal action from both the copyright holder, and potentially the shows and venues you enter your quilt into.

What else do I need to do?

Once you have received written permission, you must give proper credit to the artist or designer everywhere the quilt is displayed. Please use the Design Inspiration to give proper credit to the copyright holder under this entry form. Provide the Artist or designer’s name, the title and publisher of the book, magazine, or pattern, the website where you found the artwork, or any other important information. If you run out of space on the design inspiration, please use part of your quilt description to complete the copyright information.

What if the artwork is in the public domain?

Credit the artist and state that the work is in the public domain.

What if I cannot locate the artist or the artist is deceased?

If you cannot locate the artist, or if the artist is deceased, contact the publisher, or in the case of a photograph or other artwork, contact the place or website where you found it. This could include art galleries, colleges, or museums. They may own the copyright or be able to put you in touch with the copyright owner.

Please note: Even if the original artist has passed away, there is a good chance the copyright is still in effect. Copyrights in the United States last at least 70 years after the death of the original artist.

***This copyright information is made available by Road to California, Inc. strictly for educational purposes. The information is to provide you general information and a general understanding of the requirements to fulfill the copyright requirements to enter your quilt into the Road to California Quilt Competition. By using this information, you understand that this should not be used as a substitute for competent legal counsel from a licensed professional attorney in your state.***

Jurying & Judging Process

The decisions of the jurors are final. No comments will be provided for entrants from the jury.
Judges provide comments, which are emailed out via our automated system with your shipping confirmation no later than Wednesday January 20, 2027. Please check your spam filter.
Additional information or follow-up questions to the judges will not be offered and are not available.
Decisions of the judges are final.

Awards & Prize Information

All prizes will be issued in the name of the individual whose account was used to create the entry.
Only one prize ribbon is available per quilt.
Road to California will contact prize winners for tax forms (listed below) and ACH forms.
Winner must submit forms to Road to California by February 15, 2027. Road to California will submit payment no later than February 22, 2027. Contestants have 1 week from notification to correct errors in their ACH forms. All prize winnings must be transferred and completed by February 28, 2027.
Entrants who earn over $600 are required to submit a W9 or W8BEN form.
Entrants who earn over $1500 are required to submit a CA 587 NR or CA 590 form. Non-Residents for CA will be automatically deducted 7% withholding paid directly to the State of California. Please contact your tax professional to determine your tax filing requirements.
All prize winnings are paid via ACH (for US banks) or Wire Transfers for International Banks.
Prize winnings will be forfeited (see below) if you are unable to provide proper ACH transfer information within the deadlines listed above. Please contact your bank for more information on receiving ACH payments.
It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure they provide accurate information for Wire Transfers. Once the Wire Transfer is initiated, we cannot recover the funds and are not responsible for typographical errors made by the winner.
Failure by the entrant to provide the required tax forms and accurate banking information by the deadlines listed above will result in a donation to a quilting-related non-profit as selected by Road to California in the name of the entrant.

Shipping & Return Information

Domestic Addresses will be exclusively shipped via UPS Ground.
All folded quilts will be packaged in a new box with acid-free craft paper inside a clear plastic bag.
Rolled quilts will be shipped in a new tube. Entrants wishing to retain their tube will be subject to a $15 handling fee.
Quilts may be picked up by the owner on Saturday January 23 beginning at 5:00 PM. Entrants who fail to pick up their quilt on time will be subject to a $25 handling fee plus shipping costs to return their quilt.
Entrant credit cards will be charged upon printing the UPS label. Please note: if your credit card declines, we will assess a $5 fee.
Shipping Insurance is available at the quoted UPS Rate. We highly recommend you purchase fine arts coverage on your own - carrier shipping only reimburses the materials for your quilt, not the actual value of your quilt.
Road to California accepts no liability for carrier shipping errors. Entrants release Road to California of all liability for anything that occurs once the quilt is in the possession of UPS.
Additional shipping & return information will be available on the entry shipping forms on the Road to California Entry Portal.

Insurance Requirements

Road to California will insure each accepted entry against a major catastrophe from the time we receive the entry until it departs the Ontario Convention Center for $300.
It is highly recommended that entries over the above stated value be appraised and that the entrant possesses appropriate insurance to cover any damage to the entry while in transit and at the 2027 Road to California Show.
Every attempt is made to ensure the security of your entry at the 2027 Road to California show. It is the responsibility of the entrant to insure their quilt further.
Insurance is strictly for catastrophic loss - and requires forfeiture of ownership of the quilt to Road to California and/or our insurance provider in order for a claim to be paid to the owner.