Welcome to the AQS Creativity Challenge!
Celebrate the sights, stories, and spirit of your chosen state in this fun and imaginative wool appliqué challenge! You can pick your current home state, a state you once lived in, or one you’ve always loved from afar. You get to decide the state you stitch!
Create a one-of-a-kind 8" x 10" quilted wool appliqué quilt inspired by any U.S. state using a kit curated by WonderFil Specialty Threads. Go bold, go whimsical, go scenic or symbolic, it’s all up to you!
From sea to shining seam—which state will you stitch?
- Pick your palette.
Choose one (or more!) of three available colorways in the official challenge kits.
Purchase Kit > - Build your base.
Each kit includes:
• One 8" x 10" piece of wool for your background
• One 8" x 10" wool piece for your appliqué
• A wool star, perfect for highlighting your hometown, a city, or capital - A downloadable template for the U.S. state you choose
Download Template > - Start stitching!
You’re required to use the wool from the kit. You must use one piece of wool for the background and the other for the State appliqué, but you can mix and match between kits. You’re welcome to add any other fabrics, threads, and embellishments you’d like. Use any appliqué techniques you love, hand or machine, and get as creative as you wish! - Quilt and bind your piece.
The final quilt must be quilted and finished with a binding. - Submit Your Entry: Share your creation with us between August 20 - December 15, 2025. Your submission will include high-quality images of your wool appliqué quilt as well as a brief description of your state quilt and what inspired your design.
Submission Details:
- Deadline: All entries must be submitted by December 15, 2025.
- How to Submit: Submissions open August 20, 2025. Return to this landing page and click the submission button.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to showcase your creativity. We can’t wait to see what you dream up!
Important Dates:
- Submissions Open: August 20, 2025
- Submissions Close: December 15, 2025
- Acceptance Notifications Sent: January 13, 2026
- Quilts Due to AQS: January 29, 2026
Official Wool Kit for 50 States in Stitches
To ensure consistency, each entry must be made using the official WonderFil Specialty Threads wool kit. These kits include rich, high-quality wool felt and curated WonderFil threads in colors matching the wool pieces.
If you haven't already done so, you can purchase your kit here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I submit more than one entry?
Yes! Feel free to submit up to three entries if you have more than one idea.
Do I have to use one of the kits?
Yes! Select from one of the three wool kits. Each kit features a different background and state wool piece, a wool star, along with matching Ellana thread from WonderFil. You're also welcome to purchase multiple kits to mix and match.
What is included in the kit?
The wool background piece, the wool state piece, a wool star, and a card of Ellana thread from WonderFil. Access to downloadable appliqué templates for any of the 50 states. In the kit insert, you will also find the AQS Creativity Challenge rules.
Do I have to make the state I live in?
Nope! You can choose any U.S. state, your home state, your birthplace, your dream vacation spot, or even one with a shape you just love stitching.
How will the quilts be selected?
Entries will be juried based on creativity, craftsmanship, and how well they capture the theme of "50 States in Stitches."
What happens if my quilt is selected to be part of the special exhibit?
If your quilt is selected, you will be notified by January 13, 2026. All accepted entries need to be shipped to AQS by January 29, 2026. Shipping information will be included in the acceptance email. Your quilt will be displayed in a special exhibit at the 2026 AQS QuiltWeek shows.
Embroidery Inspiration from WonderFil
Our friends at WonderFil have shared a fantastic series of hand embroidery tutorials to help you select the perfect stitches for your quilt. Explore the video tutorials here:
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