Quilt Block Contest 2024

2024 Thurston County Fair Open Class Home Arts Department

 Quilt Block Contest

Each year, the Open Class Home Arts Department holds a quilt block contest.  A local independent fabric shop sells contest kits, from which purchasers can make blocks to enter into the contest.

  2024 Block Contest Kits are available now for $15
at Lost & Found Crafts
2600 Martin Way E Suite C, Olympia 98506


Download this poster for the Quilt Block Contest kits

What are the fabric-use requirements?

You must use a minimum of three (3) fabrics from the packet for each block and may ONLY use fabrics from this kit. You may supplement with more of the SAME fabrics in this kit (or purchase more than one kit).

What block designs are allowed? 

The packet contains fabrics you can use to make any block pattern using any technique. No blocks can be greater or less than 12-1/2 inches square, and no block can include embellishments - such as beads, sequins, or buttons - or other three-dimensional elements such as folded fabric. 

Your block may be patchwork, foundation pieced, English paper pieced, applique, etc. The work may be done by hand or machine.

Where can I find block patterns?

Many fabric companies and groups provide free block patterns - here are a few you can try:

What block size is allowed?

Make sure your blocks are EXACTLY 12-1/2 inches square unfinished. Blocks not meeting this criterion will be disqualified.

What is the minimum entry?

The minimum entry is one block.  Packets may make more than one block. If you decide not to enter, that's OK, too.

Will my quilt block be judged?

Your quilt block will not be judged along with other fair entries; however, the top 12 blocks will be chosen by superintendents based on EXACT 12-1/2 inch size, appearance, design, construction quality, and creativity in use of the challenge fabric.

Are there prizes for the winning blocks?

Blocks will be displayed in Heritage Hall during the Fair. Makers of each of the top 12 blocks will receive special recognition.  Remaining blocks will be distributed in groups of 6-12 to recipients randomly drawn from among those who entered the contest. Fair Home Arts Department staff will contact you if your name was drawn to receive a group of blocks.

When will we see the raffle quilt made from blocks submitted in 2024?

The top 12 blocks chosen will be used to create a quilt to be raffled off at the 2025 fair. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each, and available for purchase at the fair in the Home Arts Department.
Proceeds from sale of the raffle tickets allow the Home Arts Department to purchase stationery supplies, signage, display supplies, special prize ribbons, and cash prizes such as the annual Master Maker (formerly “Homemakers”) Award.

Below are some photos of previous years' blocks and quilts.

2023 Blocks


Blocks for Quilt Raffled in 2023


Quilt Raffled in 2022


Quilt Raffled in 2019


Quilt Raffled in 2018





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