The Festival of Quilts is the largest quilting and patchwork show in Europe and is a fantastic day out for quilters of all abilities, whether you're a complete beginner or have been quilting for years. It is an annual summer event for me - I would hate to miss it!
It takes place in the NEC in Birmingham from 30 July - 2 August 2026. A huge venue which is super easy to get to with easy transport routes.
Having chatted to lots of quilters about the Festival who has asked me for my advice for having the best day ever, I thought I would share with you my top tips to help you make the most of the day!
- Wear comfortable shoes
You will walk miles. The NEC halls are huge and you’ll easily spend the day exploring quilts, shopping, exhibitions, galleries and workshops. If there is only one thing you take from this email - let it be this!
2. Take a water bottle
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to stop and take a drink. Staying hydrated makes a big difference by the afternoon. There are places to refill your bottle too.
3. Take a comfortable shopping bag (or two!)
You may think you’re “just looking” but somehow you’ll come home with fabric, rulers, patterns, thread, kits and things you didn’t know you needed until five minutes ago. But many stands won't have enough bags or have supermarket bags which are very uncomfortable to carry when adding any kind of weight to. Do yourself a favour and take a comfortable bag to fill.
4. Visit the quilt galleries first
Before you get distracted by the shopping, spend time looking at the competition quilts and exhibitions. They are truly inspiring and often become the highlight of the day. I remember last year, I left this until later in the day and my poor feet didn't handle it well and I didn't get to take as much time as I would have liked.
5. Take lots of photos
Photograph quilts you love, interesting colour combinations and quilting designs. You’ll be amazed how often you refer back to them later. It's inspiration in abundance! And you'll soon forget the name and designer of that quilt you want to take a second look at.
6. Talk to people
One of the best things about Festival of Quilts is meeting other quilters and shop owners. Whether you’re chatting in a queue or asking questions on a stand, everyone is there because they love quilting. Share what you are making, what you are working on and don't be afraid to ask for help or opinions. And if you see me floating about - please come and say hello! I would really love that!
7. Set a budget
Trust me on this one.
There are hundreds of tempting stalls and it’s very easy to get carried away.
Set yourself a budget and maybe even write a list if there are specific things you are interested in finding and buying. It's easy to spend more than you would like when all the shiny things are there right in front of you.
8. Attend a demonstration
Many exhibitors run free demos throughout the day. You can learn a surprising amount in just 10–15 minutes. I plan on finding a longarm machine and asking to take it for a spin!
9. Attend a class or workshop
There are so many throughout the days of the festival and they are different each year. Some are shorter where you can learn a new skill, and others are to get you started on a brand new project. There are also evening speeches you can book in to attend. They are always so fun.
10. Remember that every quilter started somewhere
If you’re a beginner, don’t be intimidated by the incredible quilts on display. Instead, look for ideas, techniques and inspiration. Every award-winning quilter once made their very first block.
I know you'll have the best time. You'll come away with some new fabric and maybe a kit and will feel energised and inspired to get back to your sewing machine.
Don't worry if you are sure where to start with this new mindset of yours... because I've got you! Over the past couple of years, I have crafted loads of quilt block patterns with this mindset firmly front and centre and here is your invitation to grab a couple and try them. Each pattern is written for a complete beginner to be able to follow - step by step, with lots of photos and images to really help you see where to sew, which direction to press and how everything goes together.
I also have a full blog post about my visit to the Festival Of Quilts 2026 - Festival of Quilts 2026: Everything You Need to Know – Beginners Quilting Hub