Quilting has been around for centuries throughout the world. In the past, quilting was primarily done for practical purposes. However, in 2024, many quilters use the practice as an opportunity to flex artistry and craftsmanship for truly stunning pieces of art.
Quilt shows are held internationally to showcase the creativity, skills, and passion of many talented quilters. Most shows hold competitions, special challenges, lectures, classes, and more chances to learn about quilting. So, whether you’re an experienced quilter looking to enter an international competition or want to learn more about modern quilting, booking a ticket to a quilt show can be a chance to connect with the quilting community and improve your skills. We’ll discuss some of the best quilting shows around the world in the upcoming 2024 year.
The Australian Quilt Convention: Melbourne, Australia
Experienced quilters from all over the world will converge on April 11-14, 2024 for this spectacular quilt show. This multi-day event features not only amazing quilts on display but also retailers, lessons, lectures, and other fun social activities. If you’re interested in experiencing an unforgettable quilt show, you won’t want to miss this event.
The Patchwork Days: Moers, Germany
As one of the best quilting shows in Germany, Patchwork Days is held in Moers–a charming city located on the bank of the Rhine River. In the upcoming 2024 year, the show will take place from May 10-12. According to the event’s organizers, the show will include exhibitions, classes, and vendors.
The South African Quilt Show: Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
The theme of the 2024 South African Quilt Show is “voices in cloth.” You can enter one of your quilts in the theme category or choose one of the several other categories to compete in before the event held on July 4-9. Like other large quilt festivals, there will be plenty of educational events, like workshops and lectures to round out some great learning opportunities.
The Festival of Quilts: Birmingham, England (UK)
As one of the top quilting shows in England, this event (taking place August 1-4, 2024) is sure to be an exciting space to explore the works of talented quilt makers. It was first held in 2003 and has continued to grow in size over 20 years later. If you book your ticket for this show, you can expect interesting exhibits and a quilting competition that attracts talent from around the world. Additionally, there are many workshops and lectures to expand your quilting knowledge and skills.
Attending these quilting shows is not just an opportunity to admire the craftsmanship of talented quilters but also a chance to immerse yourself in the global quilting community. You can learn from many experienced quilters by attending workshops, classes, or lectures. You may also be interested in entering one of these competitions yourself. If you’re looking for helpful feedback before submitting your quilting project for a show, you may be interested in booking an individual meeting to discuss your piece.
Patchwork and Quilt Dagen, Netherlands (April 2024)
Patchwork and Quiltdagen is an annual event held in the Netherlands that attracts hundreds of textile enthusiasts and quilters from across the world. The event is considered to be one of the premiere international quilting festivals.
In April 2024, this festival will take place April 11th to April 13th, primarily showcasing the charm and dexterity in patchwork, quilting, and textile arts. Rijswijk, known for its historical buildings and cultural events, offers a stunning backdrop for this three-day extravaganza.
European Patchwork Festival, France (September 2024)
The European Patchwork Meeting, scheduled to take place in September 2024 in the Alsace region of France, promises to be a gathering of craft enthusiasts from all over Europe and beyond. Celebrating the centuries-old tradition of patchwork and quilting, this annual gathering showcases the wonderful intricacies of the craft while serving as a platform to exhibit and trade.
Alsace, renowned for its charm, warm hospitality, and picture-postcard scenery, will provide a splendid backdrop for this event. More specifically, the event is set to be hosted in four villages nestled in the beautiful Val d’Argent: Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Liepvre, and Rombach-le-Franc.
Attendees will enjoy a rich and diverse programme that promises to both inspire and educate. With an array of creative workshops led by some of the industry’s leading talents, beginners and seasoned crafters alike will have the chance to broaden their skills and expertise in this beloved art form.
Other European Festivals in 2024
In 2024, there are other major quilt festivals in Europe, including:
- The International Festival of Patchwork in Sitges Spain from March 14 to March 17, 2023.
- Patchworktage, from May 10 to 12, 2024, in Moers Germany.
- CASAIDEA, a home convention in Rome Italy, but also features some quilting exhibitions from March 18 to 26, 2024.
All these festivals will give you the opportunity to travel the world and learn about the latest in quilting trends, patchwork, and sewing.