Bloemshow - Tips from the judge

• Of utmost importance - the whole quilt must lie flat.
• Square at each step and cut clean.
• Before adding any borders, square and cut clean.  Block quilt by spraying with water, pin and let dry.
• Measure the borders.

BINDING

1. Width of binding should suit the size of the quilt.  Narrow binding being the secret as it is not supposed to be the focal point.
2. Binding must be full, containing all 3 layers.
3. Binding must be hand stitched.
4. Corners must be mitered and stitched at the front as well as the back.
5. Corners must be 90 degrees and lay flat.

BACK

1. A colorful background disguises mistakes.
2. Use a false background for art quilts.  Construct in two parts with an opening to pull quilt through.
3. Be mindful of synthetic fabrics when basting with glue as it has a tendency to leave marks.

QUILTING

1. Check stitch tension continuously at the front as well as the back.
2. Thread used should compliment the quilt.
3. Do not start or end with knots.
4. Do not back tack.
5. Borrow ends of threads neatly.

GENERAL

1. Stitch in the ditch should be in the ditch.
2. Be mindful of patchwork's corners by using correct seam allowances as not to cut of the points.
3. Use nonstick grease proof baking paper for embroidery as it tore away easily.
4. Use a pillow below your knees when sandwiching a quilt on the floor.
5. Avoid friction pens as they tend to come back during moist weather,  Rather use Prym marking tools.
6. Make sure the quilts are clean by soaking in bathtub with Colgate shampoo.  Rinse with clean water.  Do not add salt.
7. If you have trouble coordinating colors, use the color code printed on the selvage.
8. When piecing dark and light fabrics, use a darker thread.
9. When hand stitching the binding, use the same color thread as the binding.

SLEEVE

1. Cut the same width as quilt by 20cm wide for a large quilt, 16cm for a medium quilt and 12cm for a small quilt
2. Fold in half lengthwise and stich sides closed with a 2cm seam allowance.
3. Turn over and place edge of sleeve alongside edge of quilt and tack down together with the binding.
4. Stitch bottom of sleeve by hand to the quilt in order to create a pocket through which the pipe could be placed to hang the quilt.
5. Sleeve should be 2cm shorter than quilt on both sides.
6. Where a quilt is larger than 2m, a opening of 5cm should be made in the center of the sleeve.

LABEL

1. Title of quilt.
2. Name of quilter.
3. Date - beginning and end
4. Address and contact details of quilter.
5. Place at back on lower left corner.
6. When entering for judging, cover everything with black fabric except the quilt's title.