Contest FAQs

What is a barn quilt?
Barn quilts are big, colorful quilt blocks that are painted on the side of a barn (or other building). They are typically traditional quilt block designs, painted in an 8’ x 8’ or 16’ x 16’ square. Ours will be displayed 17’ x 17’.

What is the story behind the barn quilt movement?
Donna Sue Groves of Adams County, Ohio, wanted to honor her mother’s love of quilting by painting a quilt square on her barn. This simple idea grew into a community project across all of Adams County, creating a scenic tourist attraction for quilt lovers everywhere. 2012 is the 11th anniversary of the Barn Quilt Block movement.

How can I submit my entry?
Enter by submitting original entry designs in .pdf, .jpg, .gif or .eps format to www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt on or after March 16, 2012. There is no cost to register or enter.

How many times can I enter?
You may enter as many times as you would like. There is no household limit for entries.

Is there a specific size requirement for entries?
No. You can submit your design in any size you would like. Designs should be in the shape of a square, since they will be displayed as a 17’ x 17’ square on the AccuQuilt building.

What is the entry deadline?
All entries are due by midnight, April 9, 2012.

When will the winners be announced?
Winners will be announced at AQS Quilt Show & Contest – Paducah, April 25-28, 2012.

How will winners be notified?
Winners will be notified via phone and e-mail, or at their physical mailing address if they otherwise cannot be reached.

Does my design need to be based on AccuQuilt die shapes?
No. We love the fantastic designs that can be created with the GO!® and Studio™, but you can use any shapes or patterns in your quilt block design. Let your imagination run wild.

Do I need to send AccuQuilt an actual quilt block?
No. All that’s needed is a digital file of your design of your design in .pdf, .jpg, .gif or .eps format.

Do I need to send AccuQuilt a quilt?
No. Please just submit a digital file in one of the file formats listed above.

Can I submit a design in Electric Quilt format?
Electric Quilt designs are acceptable if they are submitted in one of the file formats listed above.

Does my design need to be a traditional quilt block?
No. Although most barn quilts are traditional blocks, we’re leaving it open to your creativity.

How are the designs judged?
AccuQuilt management selects the Top 100 quilt block designs out of all entries submitted. From April 11 – 18, the public votes for their favorites on accuquilt.com. The top 20 entries with the most votes advance to the next round. The final 20 entries then go before a panel of celebrity judges who further narrow down their favorites. AccuQuilt management makes the final decision on the selection of the grand prize winner and runner up prize winner. Winners will be announced at the Paducah quilt show, April 25 – 28, 2012.

If I am the grand prize winner and I am unable to travel to the AccuQuilt office for the unveiling, will I receive a substitution for the trip?
Substitutions are allowed if prizes cannot be awarded as described. See full contest rules at www.accuquilt.com/barnquilt