This year marked a big change for us. For the first time in over 30 years, we attended a major quilt industry show not as exhibitors, but simply as attendees.
After decades of exhibiting at the annual Quilts Inc. Quilt Market, it felt a little strange — and honestly a little emotional — walking the aisles without setting up a booth, hanging quilts, or preparing for wholesale buyers. Truth: It was awesome not having to set up! So much work!
The quilting industry has changed a great deal over the years, and so have the trade shows that support it.
For many years, Quilts Inc. hosted the annual Quilt Market, which became the central gathering place for quilt shops, fabric companies, designers, publishers, and manufacturers. But over time, attendance shifted, the industry evolved, and eventually Quilt Market began to fade after decades as the industry’s primary wholesale event.
Now, a newer event has stepped into that space: h+h americas, held this year in Chicago from May 5–8.
H+H stands for Handarbeit & Hobby, a German trade show brand that focuses on crafts, hobbies, sewing, quilting, knitting, needle arts, and creative industries. Originally founded in Germany, the show expanded into the United States with H+H Americas, bringing together a much broader creative market than traditional quilt-only trade shows.
Above: Some of many, CosCon Outfits. Many vendors had apparel patterns and materials.
We attended this year mostly to “feel the pulse” of the industry and see firsthand where things are heading.
One of the biggest differences was the size and scope of the show compared to the old Quilt Market days. The event felt smaller overall, but also far more diversified. Instead of being centered almost entirely around quilting fabric and quilt shops, H+H included a wide range of creative categories — needle arts, yarn, garment sewing, embroidery, crafting, and sewing-related businesses all shared the floor together.
Above: Sneaker Kits: Includes base rubber shoe, patterns for upper,
thread and needle for attachment like a shoemaker.
That broader mix created a very different energy. The quilting world is no longer operating in its own separate lane. Today’s makers often move fluidly between quilting, garment sewing, embroidery, bag making, punch needle, knitting, and home décor projects. The show reflected that shift clearly.
There were still familiar faces, beautiful fabrics, and creative inspiration everywhere, but the atmosphere felt noticeably different from the large-scale Quilt Market events of the past. In many ways, the industry seems to be reshaping itself into a more blended and lifestyle-focused creative community.
Quilts, Accessories, Garments, and Needle crafts
For us, attending as observers instead of exhibitors gave us a chance to slow down, listen, and really take in where the market is today. Change is never easy, especially after being part of an industry for so many years, but creativity continues to evolve — and so do the people who make it thrive.
New way to be there! Small 4'x8' displays for designers
Next Fall is in Houston. Quilts Inc. is no longer doing markets. We found a new way to display without having to carry over 2000 products. This show has a designer gallery where designers display on a 4 x 8 pegboard all together. You are only required to be there two hours per day. Set up for a 4 x 8 grid wall is sure a lot better than a 30 foot x 10 foot booth! We are considering vending in one of these more humble small spaces to have a presence.
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