For quilters and sewing enthusiasts, quilting shows offer a vibrant hub of creativity, inspiration, and connection. From showcasing stunning quilts to hosting workshops led by renowned modern quilting experts like Carolina Oneto, quilting shows bring together passionate individuals to celebrate this cherished craft.
Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting, quilting shows offer memorable experiences to deepen your love for this art form. So let’s take a look at some of the things you can learn, experience, and anticipate from quilting shows.
What Happens at a Quilting Show?
Quilting shows are dynamic events, bustling with a wide range of activities. At the heart of many quilting shows lie captivating quilt exhibits showcasing a dazzling array of quilts from talented artists.
Vendor Showcase
Many quilting shows host vendor malls brimming with the latest fabrics, notions, and quilting supplies. Often, these are set up as a series of booths and vendors representing fabric manufacturers, pattern designers, longarm quilters, retailers and distributors, as well as authors.
You can find new materials and discover must-have tools to enhance your quilting experience. Some even showcase local vendors to help give them exposure, like at the 21st Biennial Venice Area Quilters Guild Quilt Show in South Venice, Florida.
But quilting shows offer far more than just quilt exhibitions. These enriching events bring together quilting communities, uniting both veterans and aspiring crafters. Many offer quilting demonstrations from expert quilters who generously share techniques and tips.
These demonstrations help attendees deepen their quilting expertise or discover entirely new techniques. Quilting shows go beyond passive observation. Attendees can immerse themselves in interactive workshops led by experienced quilting instructors.
Quilting Competitions
Quilting shows are also venues for spirited competitions. Many host quilting contests judged by acclaimed professionals in the field. These competitions highlight innovative quilting techniques and artistic prowess, providing participants with valuable feedback and recognition.
For some, quilt competitions are an excellent opportunity to elevate their craft. They allow participants to learn from experienced quilters and share their creative expressions.
Why Attend a Quilting Show
Quilting shows are more than just events. These are valuable investments in your quilting hobby or business. From practical skills to newfound creative energy, there are several significant benefits to attending these shows.
Networking Space
Quilting shows provide a space to network and bond with fellow quilting enthusiasts. It’s a great place to make new quilting buddies and gain inspiration from a passionate community.
These quilting shows often host meet-and-greets, social gatherings, and lectures allowing attendees to immerse themselves in a supportive and vibrant quilting community. Attendees have the chance to chat with the featured quilt artists, learn more about their creative journeys, and gain insight into the inspirations behind each piece.
Plus, quilters can exchange knowledge, spark ideas, and forge lasting friendships within these close-knit groups.
Education and Inspiration
Perhaps the most important function of quilting shows is their role in fostering creativity. The impressive displays and demonstrations offered inspire fresh designs, fabric selections, and quilting techniques for current and future projects.
Whether it’s attending a lecture, watching a demonstration, or perusing the vendors for new products, there are ample opportunities for you to nurture and spark new creative passions.
Staying Current in the World of Quilting
The world of quilting is always changing. What better way to stay up-to-date than to be surrounded by the very people in the know? Shows often showcase trending styles, fabrics, and cutting-edge quilting supplies you may not be familiar with, but now get to see for the first time. This includes new tools or gadgets aimed at making your quilting tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
Attending quilt shows also introduces you to acclaimed quilt designers and authors sharing their expertise and unique artistic voices. So for the quilting enthusiast, there’s truly something for everyone.
Top Quilting Shows in 2025
If all this makes you excited to attend quilting shows, great. Admissions for quilting shows vary. Larger shows, particularly those spanning several days and including special events like banquets or evening gatherings, typically have higher ticket prices. Here are several helpful resources:
AQS QuiltWeek
Known as one of the largest quilt show organizers, AQS QuiltWeek hosts annual events in various cities across the United States. These events are renowned for showcasing an extensive range of quilting techniques, styles, and designs and provide a platform for quilters to display their work, engage with fellow enthusiasts, and participate in workshops and educational activities.
QuiltCon
QuiltCon, organized by the Modern Quilt Guild, is a global event that celebrates modern quilting. This renowned gathering attracts participants from all over the world and showcases a lively quilt show filled with competitive quilts, community outreach quilts, and fascinating special exhibits.
The event offers a captivating vendor hall that caters specifically to modern quilters. Attendees can also take advantage of the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops, which can be accessed by registering for a four-day show pass.
International Quilt Festival
The International Quilt Festival is a highly anticipated event held at the George R Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, USA. Attendees can explore the quilt gallery featuring stunning displays of quilts, participate in engaging classes, and connect with fellow quilting aficionados from around the world.
The festival is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the artistry and creativity of the quilting community.
QuiltFest
QuiltFest is an esteemed organizer that brings together quilting festivals and events throughout the country. These festivals often feature exhibitions of stunning quilts, vendors offering quilting supplies and materials, as well as opportunities for attendees to participate in competitions, workshops, and demonstrations led by seasoned quilting experts.
Original Sewing & Quilt Expo
The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo is a well-established network that organizes sewing and quilting shows in various locations across the United States. These expos provide a vibrant environment for sewing and quilting enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, techniques, and products, while also offering educational seminars, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
Your Favorite Quilter’s Show
In addition to the renowned quilt show organizers AQS QuiltWeek, QuiltFest, and the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo, you may also find exciting quilting events through your favorite quilter’s website for quilting show updates and resources.
Modern quilter Carolina Oneto hosts live quilting events in various locations, including international quilt workshops and seminars in Scotland, Italy, and France.
Whether you’re interested in registering for a Patchwork & Quiltdagen Show in the Netherlands, taking part in a quilting event in Scotland, or joining a workshop in Italy or France, Carolina Oneto offers a valuable resource to discover and participate in quilting experiences around the world. There are also online quilting shows aside from traditional ones.
Is It A Good Idea To Take A Big Rolling Suitcase For All My Supplies?
It might be best to choose a more compact tote bag that comfortably accommodates your essentials without the need for a large suitcase. A large suitcase will only add to the bulkiness, making navigating aisles with crowds more challenging.
Of course, consider taking along reusable shopping bags as vendors often pack purchased items in clear plastic bags which may tear or become flimsy with heavy materials.
Back view man carrying tote bag 
What If I Don’t Know Anyone Attending A Quilting Show?
If you attend a quilting show solo, you can enjoy all aspects of these enriching events. Browse exhibits, peruse the vendor stalls, and engage in friendly conversation with the various vendors showcasing their goods. And you just might encounter some future lifelong friends.
Many attendees discover an air of camaraderie amongst like-minded quilters, turning solo excursions into chances to expand their quilting circles. After all, shared interests and creative passion create an ideal foundation for forming new and meaningful friendships.
Attend Quilting Shows Today
Quilting shows serve as vibrant hubs of creativity and connection for quilting enthusiasts of all levels. These dynamic events offer a myriad of activities, from captivating quilt exhibits to interactive quilting workshops led by modern quilters like Carolina Oneto.
When you attend quilting shows, you have the opportunity to deepen your love for the craft, learn new techniques, and connect with fellow quilters in a supportive community. These provide valuable experiences that can inspire and enhance your quilting journey.
So why wait? Attend a quilting show today and immerse yourself in the creativity and camaraderie that these events have to offer!