Sep92025
Modern Quilting Blog

Quilters, sewing enthusiasts, and festival organizers, you’re in for a treat! As we look forward to 2026, the world of quilting is ready to dazzle with a lineup of quilt shows that spread across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. These quilt festivals promise to be a feast for the eyes and a playground for creativity, offering a chance for quilters of all levels to explore new techniques and connect with fellow fabric lovers. Whether you’re dreaming of attending quilt festivals in Europe or exploring quilt shows in Africa, we’ve got you covered with dates, locations, and all the essential details. So grab your fabric stash, dust off your sewing machine, and prepare to be inspired by the international quilt exhibitions that await you next year!

Quilt Shows Across Europe

Europe’s quilt scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a range of events for quilters of all levels. From grand exhibitions to intimate gatherings, the continent’s quilt festivals showcase traditional techniques and cutting-edge designs. Let’s explore the must-visit events, hidden gems, and travel tips for your European quilting adventure.

Must-Visit Quilt Festivals Europe

The European quilt festival circuit boasts several standout events that draw quilters from around the world. These shows offer a mix of exhibitions, workshops, and shopping opportunities.

The Festival of Quilts: is Europe’s largest quilt show. Held annually in August, it features over 1,000 quilts on display and hundreds of workshops. Quilters can learn new techniques, shop for supplies, and admire award-winning quilts.

Carrefour Européen du Patchwork takes place in September across four Alsatian villages. This unique event combines quilt exhibitions with the charm of rural France, offering a truly immersive experience.

Hidden Gems in European Quilting

Beyond the major festivals, Europe is home to smaller, more intimate quilt events that offer unique experiences. These hidden gems often showcase local traditions and provide opportunities for deeper connections with fellow quilters.

Prague Patchwork Meeting in the Czech Republic is a charming event that combines Central European quilting traditions with international influences. Held in April, it’s a great opportunity to explore Prague’s beauty while indulging in your quilting passion.

The Scandinavian Festival Quilt Show
in Jönköping, Sweden, is a must-visit. Held in February, it showcases the clean lines and nature-inspired designs typical of Nordic quilting.

Asian Quilt Festivals to Attend

Asia’s quilting scene is a fascinating blend of ancient textile traditions and modern quilting techniques. The continent offers a unique perspective on the art of quilting, with events that showcase both local craftsmanship and international influences. Let’s explore the top festivals, cultural influences, and planning tips for your Asian quilt adventure.

Top Quilt Festivals Asia

Asia hosts several world-class quilt festivals that attract quilters from across the globe. These events offer a mix of traditional and contemporary quilting, reflecting the diverse cultures of the region.

Yokohama Quilt Festival, held in January, is one of Asia’s largest quilting events. It features stunning exhibitions, workshops by renowned quilters, and a vast marketplace for fabrics and supplies.

  • Location: Yokohama, Japan
  • Date: January 22-28, 2026

India Quilt Festival in Chennai is a relatively new but rapidly growing event. Held in January, it showcases the rich textile heritage of India alongside modern quilting techniques.

Taipei International Quilt Exhibition in Taiwan, typically held in October, is another must-visit event. It combines traditional Chinese textile arts with contemporary quilting, offering a unique East-meets-West experience.

African Quilt Events to Explore

Africa’s quilting scene is a vibrant tapestry of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. The continent’s quilt shows offer a unique perspective on textile arts, blending age-old techniques with contemporary designs. Let’s discover the unique events, traditional quilting styles, and travel tips for exploring African quilt shows.

Unique Quilt Shows Africa

African quilt shows, while fewer in number compared to other continents, offer unparalleled experiences for quilting enthusiasts. These events showcase the rich textile heritage of the continent alongside modern quilting techniques.

South African National Quilt Festival, held biennially in different cities, is a highlight of the African quilting calendar. It features exhibitions, workshops, and a market, celebrating both traditional and contemporary African quilting.

Kenya Quilt Guild Exhibition organizes an annual exhibition in Nairobi. This event showcases the work of East African quilters, blending traditional African textiles with modern quilting techniques.

Nigeria Patchwork and Quilting Exhibition, though smaller, offers a unique glimpse into West African quilting. Held in Lagos, it features workshops on traditional Nigerian textiles and their incorporation into modern quilts.

  • Location: Lagos, Nigeria
  • Date: May 5-7, 2026

Traditional Quilting in Africa

African quilting traditions are deeply rooted in the continent’s rich textile history. These traditional techniques continue to influence modern African quilters, creating a unique and vibrant quilting style.

In West Africa, the tradition of making strip-woven cloths, such as Kente from Ghana, has inspired many quilters. These colorful, geometric designs are often incorporated into contemporary African quilts.

South African quilters often draw inspiration from traditional Zulu beadwork patterns, translating intricate geometric designs into stunning quilts. The bold colors and shapes create eye-catching, distinctly African quilts.

In East Africa, the tradition of Kanga cloth-making influences many quilters. These colorful printed fabrics, often featuring proverbs or sayings, are frequently incorporated into modern African quilts, adding both visual interest and cultural significance.

Quilt Events in Oceania

Oceania’s quilting scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Pacific Island crafts and modern quilting techniques. From the sun-soaked beaches of Australia to the lush landscapes of New Zealand, quilt events in this region offer unique inspirations and experiences. Let’s explore the popular exhibitions, distinctive quilting styles, and preparation tips for your Oceanian quilting adventure.

Popular Oceania Quilt Exhibitions

Oceania hosts several notable quilt exhibitions that showcase the region’s unique approach to quilting. These events blend traditional Pacific crafts with contemporary quilting techniques.

Australasian Quilt Convention, held annually in Melbourne, is one of the largest quilting events in the region. It features exhibitions, workshops, and a marketplace, attracting quilters from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.

National Quilt Symposium is a biennial event that rotates between different cities. It offers a comprehensive program of classes, lectures, and exhibitions, celebrating both local and international quilting styles.

Modern Quilt Show Australia 2026 It’s a show were the Australian (Only) entries are juried in by a panel made up of members from each Australian Modern Guild that are officiated with the MQG.

Quilting Styles in Oceania

Oceanian quilting styles are as diverse as the region itself, drawing inspiration from indigenous traditions, natural landscapes, and modern design trends.

Australian quilts often feature bold colors and patterns inspired by the country’s unique flora and fauna. The use of Aboriginal-inspired designs, with permission and respect for indigenous cultures, has also influenced many Australian quilters.

New Zealand quilting frequently incorporates Maori motifs and patterns, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage. The use of wool, a nod to New Zealand’s sheep farming tradition, is also common in Kiwi quilts.

Pacific Island quilting, particularly from Hawaii, has its own distinct style. Hawaiian quilts typically feature large, symmetrical appliqué designs inspired by local plants and cultural symbols, often in contrasting colors on a solid background.

Category: Modern Quilting Blog