The theme for the 2025 Golden Needle Awards is Going to the Faire, a nod to the theme the 2025 National Seminar is using this fall in Dallas, TX: Needlework Faire. It can be interpreted in many ways—from a state fair to a book fair, a memory or pure imagination, whatever sparks your creativity.
Three judges will use the following judging criteria for each entry. All awards are based on the judges’ evaluations, with the exception of Judge’s Choice, which is a personal pick. The criteria are:
- Aesthetic quality. Aesthetic design includes the relationships with the elements and principles of design (balance, color, repetition, pattern, scale, shape, and value).
- Complexity. How difficult was this piece to finish?
The type of embroidery or other factors may be involved in the execution. - Application of materials. Do the materials used in the composition support the design and its concept?
- Concept. Does this entry have a cohesive artist statement or reflection of the theme and its relationship to the design and execution of the entry?
- Form. Is the intention of the entry clear and supported by the design and materials?
- Innovation. Is the entry successful? The entry may be an original, adaption or non-original. Is there a clever twist to make the entry a successful design?
- Professional quality. Is the entry neat and clean? Does it show skill?
- Use of the needle. This is the visual percent of the entry that is stitched. How much is stitched with the needle?
We are looking forward to seeing your entry this year. Only one entry per EGA member! Your entry may be up to 18″ x 18″ (45.72cm x 45.72cm) and has to have been finished within the last five years. Deadline for entries is September 1, 2025. More information about Golden Needle Awards can be found at egausa.org/goldenneedleawards.
Learn More | Submit Your Entry
Education Exhibit
Every year at seminar we showcase work done by our members as part of our learning opportunities. Have you stitched something at one of our classes and would loved others to see it? Visit the Education Exhibit form to learn more and submit your entry for display.
This article first appeared in the March 2025 issue of Needle Arts.
