CQ Challenge for 2026 - 2027  Evolve

Welcome to the 2026 CQ Challenge, 'Evolve'

‘EVOLVE’ will be a curated exhibition with selected quilts being displayed at FOQ 2027, followed by venues to be organised by Kay Leech, Exhibition Coordinator. There is a charge of £5 per entry, covering cost of postage and transport of quilts between shows. 
Link for application form:
​cqchallenges.wufoo.com/forms/r1j9mi5c0pzfhoz/

The Rules

  1. The theme, ‘EVOLVE’, can be interpreted in any way you choose.
  2. Work must be new and conform to the general definition of a quilt, being at least two layers with a reasonable amount of stitch holding them together.
  3. Edge treatment should be finished to exhibition standard and in keeping with the style of the quilt, eg it could be faced, bound or left raw, depending on the style of your quilt.
  4. Finished size must be120 x 60cm.
  5.  2D/3D: To be confirmed – the Exhibition Coordinator is looking at venues where it might be possible to display 3D pieces.
  6. Any styles, techniques, or materials can be used.
  7. For display: to be confirmed. A hanging quilt requires a 10cm wide D-shaped sleeve attached to the back, set 1.25cm from the top edge and 2.5cm from the sides, unless it has an integral hanging sleeve. It must accommodate a wooden batten. Details of how to make a D sleeve are on the CQ website (contemporaryquilt.org.uk). If 3D pieces can be accepted, display requirements will be provided.
  8. There must be a label on the back of the quilt giving your name, title of the quilt and challenge name.
  9.  Quilts must be available for exhibitions during the following 30 months.
  10.  A 20cm square sample using the same fabrics and techniques as the main quilt must be submitted to demonstrate its look and feel. This will be used by the curators in their selection process to assess its details, alongside a photograph of the final work. The sample must be labelled with your name and the quilt title. Sample books are displayed at exhibitions and greatly appreciated by visitors.
  11. As you read through these rules, you will notice there are some aspects of this challenge not yet confirmed. Kay Leech is still negotiating with venues as to how the exhibition can be displayed. New information will be released as soon as it is known. Meanwhile, put on your creative thinking caps and start planning. If you are interested in entering, please email [email protected] ahead of completing the form. This will give an idea of how many entries to expect.

The Anne Tuck Prize

Anne Tuck was a founder-member of The Quilters’ Guild and also of Contemporary Quilt and her family donated funds for an annual prize in her memory. 
The Anne Tuck Prize is awarded for an outstanding entry into Contemporary Quilt’s Challenge by an exhibitor with under three years' membership of CQ, and not an established textile artist. To be chosen at the time of selection for the CQ Challenge exhibition. The prize of £180 is to be used to enable the winner to attend a course or workshop to further their quilting skills. 


Challenge co-ordinator:
Jane Falls  [email protected]



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