How Many Quilt Shows Are There?

More than you think!

When I went to my first quilt show, it was put on by my local quilt guild here in North Carolina and I had no idea what I was getting into. Flash forward a few months when someone asked me to attend my first National quilt show. My jaw dropped. You mean there’s more than one type of quilt show?!

Properly broken down, there are in fact 6 different types of quilt shows. Each one offers a unique experience for quilters of every level!!

Guild Shows

The first are guild shows put on by quilting guilds (and sometimes quilt shops). These shows can be juried or non-juried. They’ll have beautiful quilts on display and most will have a small vendor mall. Also, many of these shows will have a section with items that were made and/or donated by guild members to raise money for the guild. These can be quilted items, fabric, books, notions, just about anything. They’re tons of fun to look through!

Quilt Show Marketplace

The second type of show you don’t tend to see very often but we have one here in North Carolina every year and that is a Quilt Show Marketplace. Unlike a standard quilt show, these are all about the vendors. You generally won’t see many quilts on displays outside of the vendor booths, but you can usually find some great deals and perhaps a raffle or two!

National Quilt Shows

Next on the list is a National quilt show. There are several of these large quilt shows put on across the country. Here, you can expect to see the best of the best in quilting. Some quilters work for years on a piece just to enter into one of these shows. And the vendors… here is where you will find things you will not see in any quilt shop. Plus, the quilt workshops are top notch!

Quilted Keychain Pattern (PDF)

$5.00
Water Crystals Quilt Pattern

$12.00
Winter 3-in-1 Table Quilts Pattern

$12.00
Stonehenge Quilt Kit

Original price was: $149.00.Current price is: $120.00.
Stargazer Quilt Pattern

$12.00

Quiltcon

I’m not 100% sure where to classify QuiltCon so I gave it it’s own category. The size of QuiltCon definitely fits the bill for a National size quilt show However, the show is put on by the National Modern Quilt Guild. What makes QuiltCon unique is their focus on modern quilting styles and the show’s location changes from year to year. When it comes to a town near you, it’s well worth a trip!!

international quilt shows

Next is the biggest of the bucket list quilt shows – international. Yes, there are giant quilt shows being held all over the world every year and I, for one, plan to visit them all at least once! 😀

Quilt market and Festival

Finally, and this is just for the business side of things, is Quilt Market. Until this year, there has been one main player in the US and they put on a quilting trade show twice a year. The Fall Quilt Market is always held in Houston, TX followed immediately by Quilt Festival, which is open to the public.

That said, 2022 a new player has come to the states, H & H. We’ll have to see how well their show goes as they are not just for the quilting industry, but also other sewing crafts.

No matter which quilt show you decide to attend, you’re sure to have a fun-fabrictastic time!!

Current list of Quilt Shows around the world!
Can you complete the Big Quilter’s Bucket List?
How to Turn a Quilt Show Trip into a Grand Adventure!
My Best Tips for Attending a Quilt Show!
Complete Lists of Quilt Shops in the US!
Like Museums? Check out the entire list of Quilt and Textile Museums around the World!

Do you know someone who’d love to learn about all the different quilt shows? Click the buttons below to share with your friends! Then be sure to join us in the Traveling Quilters group on Facebook for more travel adventures!