Living in a bustling Southern city offers the incredible advantage of countless craft events right around the corner. I, Luna, simply adore quilting exhibitions, sewing workshops, and embroidery festivals. When these events are in town, I team up with my mom and my grandmother, who’s an inspiring 90-year-old, and we dive into a full day of crafting fun!
My grandma, with her five decades of experience as a homemaking teacher, introduced me to these sewing expos during the ’90s. As a child, I was more excited about the giveaways (because, who wouldn’t be?) rather than the fabrics. These conferences became a staple of my summer memories. Although life’s challenges reduced my trips to these expos during my early adult years, now that my children have grown up, I’ve found my way back to the vibrant world of crafting events.
If you’re eager to join a sewing or embroidery gathering near you, I’ve curated an exciting list of the most anticipated events for 2023 and 2024.
I’ve segmented the events into two main categories: embroidery and sewing. Additionally, I’ve highlighted some renowned quilt exhibitions. And hey, if I’ve missed any must-attend events in your locality, do reach out! If you have recommendations for international events, I’d love to hear about those too!
Here’s a sneak peek into some trade events especially tailored for machine embroidery enthusiasts. Some are perfect for home-based embroiderers, while others are designed for those in the business side of embroidery, encompassing everything from apparel design to clothing sublimation.
For a detailed list, let’s dive right in!
| Event Name | Dates | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applique Getaway | July 14-16, 2023 | Irving, TX | This 3-day fiesta educates crafters about diverse embroidery types, digitizing, and more. It’s packed with classes, demos, and networking opportunities with fellow artisans. |
| Impressions Expo | September 14-16, 2023 & January 19-21, 2024 & March 21-23, 2024 | Fort Worth, TX & Long Beach, CA & Atlantic City, NJ | A decor and apparel conclave that showcases various design methods. A hotspot for business owners and apparel enthusiasts. |
On the sewing and conventions front, many of these gatherings also shine a spotlight on machine embroidery and quilting. They tend to be more sewing-focused rather than embroidery-centric, making them ideal for hobbyist crafters.