Herring Run Quilter's Guild

Challenge Quilts

A Skill Builder with a Surprise Ending


What is is?
Every other year to coincide with our bi-annual quilt show, Herring Run Quilt Guild offers a challenge to our quilters. A theme is provided, a specific size is required, and then members unlease their creativity.

When is it due?
Challenge quilts are presented at the September 2026 monthly guild meeting where they are judged by 100+ members of the guild. Next, they travel to the bi-annual quilt show to share with the public.

The 2026 Challenge is
“Making a Grand Entrance”

Download instructions here or read below.

The theme for our challenge is “Making a Grand Entrance”. Your design can be anything that is your interpretation of the theme. Use your imagination and have fun. We encourage everyone in the guild to participate in this challenge.

QUILTS ENTERED IN THE CHALLENGE WILL BE DISPLAYED AT OUR SEPTEMBER 2026 QUILT SHOW!!

  • #1 RULE: HAVE FUN!!! Use your imagination! Your creation can be traditional or contemporary.
  • REQUIRED!:  Your challenge must be in the shape of a rectangle measuring 20″ by 24″. Your challenge must be a “quilt”… 3 layers including front, back and batting and quilted. Your rectangle can be either vertical or horizontal. Make sure any embellishments you add won’t droop when we hang your challenges. Also make sure your sleeve is on the correct edge on the back so we know which end is up for hanging.
  • Methods of Construction: You are free to use whatever construction or quilting methods work best for your creation (i.e., machine pieced, hand pieced, paper pieced, machine appliqued, hand appliqued, machine or hand quilted, etc.). We encourage you to challenge yourself and be creative.
  • Fabric Requirement: You can use whatever fabrics you want in your challenge. Your fabrics do not all have to be 100% cotton. Embellishments are optional.
  • Hanging Sleeve and Label: The quilt back must have a hanging sleeve. Make sure you put a label with your name on the back of your challenge. Give credit to the source that inspired you. Please cover up your label with a piece of paper, fabric or tape before handing it in for voting at our guild meeting so it’s a secret as to who made it.
  • Due Date: Finished challenges are due at our September, 2026 guild meeting for judging by your quilt guild peers and subsequently will be hung at our September 2026 quilt show for attendees to vote on their favorite. All guild members attending the September 2026 meeting will have the opportunity to vote anonymously for their favorite challenge quilt. Ribbons will be awarded for the guild favorite and the top favorites of the show viewers.

If you have any questions about the challenge please contact Mary Ann Karpinski.

Below photos are from the 2024 HRQG Challenge.