The Festival of Quilts

06/06/2026

There's still time to enter the Young Quilters category.

Open to ages 5–18 (5–9, 10–13, 14–18), with quilts of any size and technique.

There’s no required theme, but an optional theme for 2026 is Celebration — from personal milestones to cultural or festive moments.

Find out more and enter here:
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/young-quilter-embroiderer/

Image credit:
2024 Balthazar Battais

05/06/2026

Entries are open for the Quilt Creations category.

This category celebrates clothing, wearable art, and three-dimensional quilted pieces.

3D entries must have length, breadth, and depth (double-sided quilts are not included). Open to both individual makers and groups.

Find out more and enter here:
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/quilt-creations/

Image credit:
2024 Shortlisted Lucy Matthews

04/06/2026

Entries are open for the Novice category.

This category is for quilters with fewer than three years’ experience. Quilts must have been completed within the last two years and not previously exhibited.

Please note: previous 1st, 2nd or 3rd place winners in this category, or those with formal textile qualifications, are not eligible.

Find out more and enter today.
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/novice-quilts/

Image credit:
2024 Yoshiko Kayama

03/06/2026

There's still time to enter the Two Person Quilts category.

This category is for quilts created by two makers using any technique, including hand, machine, or long-arm quilting.

Entrants must state whether the quilt is a true collaboration or has been professionally long-armed. The same professional quilter may be used by multiple entrants.

Find out more & enter by the 10th June.
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/two-person-quilts/

Image credit:
2022 Jo Westfoot - The Crafty Nomad

02/06/2026

Entries are open for this brand-new category Original Design, sponsored by Bernina UK

This NEW category celebrates quilts that are 100% original — no commercial pattern, or pre-existing design source, just your own creative design.

Open to individuals or groups, with professionally long-armed quilts allowed. Judging focuses on originality and design quality.

Please note: quilts inspired by or based on existing patterns, kits, or tutorials are not eligible.

Find out more and enter here:
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/original-design/

Image credit: Jenny Haynes

31/05/2026

Enter one of our most popular categories, 'For The Joy of Sharing'.

Created for quilts that simply want to be seen and not judged, this category responds to feedback from our quilting community. It offers a space to share your work at the show without the pressure of competition.

There are no style constraints and quilts will not be judged or eligible for prizes.

Find out more & enter before 10th June:
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/entry-form/

Image Credit:
2024 Grit Seidel

30/05/2026

Entries are still open for the Art Quilts category!

Judges are seeking quilts with strong visual impact, designed to be displayed as artwork that communicates an idea, emotion or concept.

🔗 Find out more and enter by 10th June.
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/entry-form/

Image Credit:
2021 2nd Prize Amanda Duke

29/05/2026

Enter the Sustainable Quilts category, sponsored by CLOVER MFG.CO.,LTD.

A sustainable quilt is defined as one made with minimal environmental impact, using at least 75% repurposed materials such as clothing, bedding or other discarded textiles. The remaining 25% should ideally be organic or from your existing stash, with a focus on biodegradable, recycled or natural fibres where possible.

🔗 Find out more and enter here: https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/entry-form/

Image Credit:
2024 Jeanette Barber

The Festival of Quilts is Europe's biggest patchwork and quilting event! Join us from 30th July - 2 August 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham.

29/05/2026

The Selvedge Quilt Jamboree is now officially sold out!

If you’d still like to join, a waitlist is now open—email [email protected] to be added.

Stitch by stitch, story by story, we’ll be bringing together quiltmakers, researchers and textile lovers for a thoughtful, celebratory day exploring the cultural histories and living traditions of quilting.

Taking place at Museum of the Home as part of What the Folk? Fest.

Friday 19 June 2026 10.30am – 4.30pm
Museum of the Home, 136 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8EA

28/05/2026

Entries are now open for the Traditional Quilts category, proudly sponsored by Vlieseline Freudenberg UK

This category celebrates quilts using traditional designs or patterns. Quilts may be wholecloth, pieced and quilted, appliqué and quilted, or a combination of techniques. Quilting may be completed by hand, machine, or both.

🔗 Find out more and submit your entry.
https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/entry-form/

Image Credit:
2022 Gill Moore

The Festival of Quilts is Europe's biggest patchwork and quilting event! Join us from 30th July - 2 August 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham.