The 5-25 Challenge
Have you ever cut, ironed, glued, or sewn pieces of fabric?
Would you like to discover a new activity?
Do you enjoy creating and feel inspired by the world of textiles?
With the 5-25 Challenge of the Carrefour – The European Quilt Show, we invite budding artists and young talents to take part in the “FORESTS” Contest.
The forest is a living world, where every tree, every sound, every light tells a story. There are all kinds of forests: some are thick and dark, full of mystery, others are light and open, perfect for walking and exploring. There are tall trees that touch the sky, but also thin twigs that dance in the wind.
Some forests are home to discreet life that you have to know how to observe, others are teeming with animal and plant life, colors, and sounds. Whether it’s a hot and vibrant jungle, a silent boreal forest, or an understory, forests fascinate young and old alike.
Seek inspiration and create a textile work that, in your eyes, represents the beauty and mystery of forests.
Take up the challenge and join the fabulous community of quilters from all over the world!
If selected, your work will be exhibited in France in September 2026 and seen by over 14,000 visitors!
The finalists
5-9 years old
Liya CONCONI (CH), 5
Lina BOUCHETTAT (FR), 8
Jeanne AVRIL (FR), 9
Olivia MOUNET (FR), 9
Sage BEASON (FR), 9
10-13 years old
Gilda MEZZLIRA (IT), 11
Liv SCHUMACHER (GE), 11
Zoé BEFFARA-CHAIGNE (FR), 11
Lizie ORSINY (FR), 11
Louise PERRIER (FR), 11
Janaëlle BROCHARD-GABRIEL (FR), 12
Mahaut BAVENCOFFE (FR), 12
14-18 years old
Anna KIEFER (DK), 15
Gregor MARR (GE), 15
Liza LUKOMSKA (UA), 16
19-25 years old
Elisabeth HENNIG (GE), 23
The jury
Claire CHALCRAFT
Sandra KAISER
Barbara LANGE
Alicia MERRET
Janet O’DELL
Katell RENON
Merrill TANTON
France Patchwork
The artworks
They will be presented to the public for the first time, from September 18 to 21, at the Exhibition Hall in Lièpvre. Come and discover them!
The Young Quilters Meetup
Why not come to the Carrefour?
Patchwork and quilting know no age—and the 5–25 Challenge proves it, celebrating the textile talents of young creators aged 5 to 25. To honor this new generation of quilters, the Young Quilters Meetup awaits you on Saturday, September 20 at 2 p.m., in the exhibition hall in Lièpvre.
On the program:
– Award ceremony for the Challenge, with the young finalists in attendance
– Textile creation workshops led by Katell Renon and Sandra Kaiser, open to all children from age 5
– Friendly snack time for all young guests
– And of course, the chance to explore the full exhibition and chat with the artists
The Meetup is open to all young people aged 5 to 25, even if you didn’t participate in the Challenge.
Admission is free for children under 14. Teens aged 14–18 and accompanying adults simply pay the standard exhibition entry fee (€6).
To join the workshops and snack, just sign up online—that’s all it takes. Share the link, spread the word: it’s a great opportunity to pass on your passion and plant a few creative seeds!
The winners
Need some inspiration?
A dedicated page is waiting for you with exclusive content to help you take on the challenge. The Challenge judges have prepared videos, articles, and guides to support you at every step of your project.
Important information :
- From 5 to 25 years-old
- Free registration
- Deadline: June 2, 2026 (the artwork must be finished)
- Size: minimum 20 cm square, maximum 200 cm square
- Shapes: all shapes accepted
- Handmade and machine works accepted
- Minimal adult intervention in final execution
- Ambassadors to teach you the basics of quilting with videos and tutorials
Participation in the Contest is only possible once the work has been completed
The 5-25 Challenge sponsors