Student Handwork Design Contest
HANDWORK: CELEBRATING AMERICAN CRAFT 2026 is a year-long Semiquincentennial collaboration among organizations, educators, and makers to showcase the importance of the handmade and celebrate the diversity of the crafts that define America, both throughout our history and in contemporary life - www.handwork2026.org
To celebrate and promote handwork, the FiberArt.STUDIO in Bethesda proudly introduces a Maryland state wide student contest to design a crochet pattern.
Student Handwork Design Contest
Design a Crochet Plushie - a plant, animal or food, preferably using local and natural materials like cotton, alpaca and wool. Any design needs to fit into a typical shoe box (about 12 x 8 x 5 inches).
Maryland students age 10 to 18 are invited to participate.
1st Prize $500 - 2nd Prize $250 - 3rd Prize $150 - Honorable Mentions $50
Contest jurors are Anja Caldwell, Owner of the FiberArt.STUDIO, and other members of the Potomac Fiber Arts Guild.
Designers need to submit one finished sample and the written pattern.
Patterns need to include the name of the design, a picture of the finished project, an introduction, a materials list, size and gauge, the difficulty level, a stitch guide, important notes, the instructions, and optional progress pictures.
Please also submit a photo print of your design, and a photo of the designer with name.
A design sketch is optional, but encouraged.
If the sample needs to be mailed back after the contest, submittals need to include a prepaid return slip. Entries can also be picked up at our studio in Carderock Springs, or at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival, first weekend of May 2026.
Projects not returned will be donated to a local charity.
Deadline to register: January 15th, 2026
Deadline for design submittal: April 15th, 2026
To download the contest flyer and registration form, click HERE