International Quilt Market Houston 2026

Bob Ruggiero

Vice President of Communications

Email Call Website

Kellie Jones

Coordinator of Exhibitor Services

Ruth Moya

VP of Shows and Show Director

Becky Navarro

Sponsorship Coordinator

Jill Benge

Education Manager

Email Website

What's on

Programme

Awards

International Quilt Festival Judged Show Awards

Annual

The International Quilt Festival presents its annual Judged Show, featuring a total of $54,750 in cash and non-purchase prizes provided by sponsors. Awards include the Best of Show and five Master Awards

Best of ShowMaster AwardsIna Stentiford Memorial Floral Quilt Award

source

Government supporters

Texas Department of Agriculture

Sponsor of Quilt Block Competition

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026

International Quilt Market Houston 2026 has been cancelled and the trade show discontinued permanently, per Quilts, Inc. announcement on December 3, 2025. No 2026 edition will take place

Forecast — not final

Exhibitors

220

Growth over time

Edition recap

The 2025 International Quilt Market in Houston marked a significant moment for the quilting industry. Moda Fabrics celebrated their 50th anniversary with a drone show and a photo booth that drew crowds. However, the show floor saw only about a third of the usual exhibitors, reflecting ongoing industry shifts as shop owners increasingly order from home. Despite the changes, the event remained a vibrant hub for creativity and connection, with fresh fabric lines debuting and new collaborations announced.

New this edition

1
Moda Fabrics 50th Anniversary Celebration
Moda Fabrics celebrated its 50th anniversary with a drone show that drew crowds from around the area, a photo booth that became a highlight of the event, and a party with a light show. The celebration was a centerpiece of the 2025 Market
Source
2
Mira Fabric Collection Launch
Designer Brigitte Heitland debuted her newest fabric collection, Mira, at the 2025 Market. The collection features modern minimalism with neutral sophistication
Source
3
Elizabeth Hartman Joins Moda Family
Elizabeth Hartman, known for her foundation paper piecing patterns, officially joined the Moda family, announced at the 2025 Market
Source

Testimonials

There's something magical about Quilt Market in Houston, Texas. The moment I stepped into the convention center, I could feel the energy buzzing. Rows upon rows of color, creativity, and community
BERNINA Blogger · Blogger · WeAllSew · 2025

Only about a third of the usual exhibitors showed up this year. Moda Fabrics showed up and showed OUT for their 50th anniversary celebration. We're talking a photo booth that had people lining up like it was the latest iPhone release
Brigitte Heitland · Fabric Designer · Zen Chic · 2025

The top event of Quilt Market this year had to have been the 50th Anniversary drone show celebration. Individuals all around the area oohed and aahed at the incredible show
Sherri McConnell · Designer · A Quilting Life · 2025

Next edition outlook

2026-11-14 – 2026-11-16

confirmed

International Quilt Market Houston 2026 has been cancelled and the trade show discontinued permanently, per Quilts, Inc. announcement on December 3, 2025 The public International Quilt Festival will proceed November 12-15, 2026 at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Industry professionals seeking a trade show alternative may consider h+h americas Fall Edition, debuting October 1-2, 2026 at NRG Center in Houston

No Quilt Market trade show in 2026 or future years; the brand is permanently discontinued International Quilt Festival continues as a public consumer show with earlier November dates (12-15) h+h americas Fall Edition launches as a new craft industry trade show in Houston, October 1-2, 2026 Spring trade market in St. Louis replaced by Quilt! Knit! Stitch! consumer show

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The 2025 Fall Quilt Market in Houston was a bittersweet edition that marked both a celebration and an ending. Moda Fabrics' 50th anniversary drone show and photo booth created memorable moments of joy and community. However, the show floor saw only about a third of the usual exhibitors, reflecting a structural shift in the industry as shop owners increasingly order from home rather than traveling to trade shows. Several major fabric companies were notably absent, and the overall atmosphere was quieter than in previous years. Despite these challenges, the event still provided valuable face-to-face connections, product discovery, and business opportunities for those who attended. The edition ultimately proved to be the final Quilt Market, as Quilts, Inc. announced the permanent discontinuation of the trade show on December 3, 2025

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The 2025 Quilt Market attracted a dedicated core of quilting industry professionals, including shop owners, fabric designers, pattern makers, and industry representatives. While the overall number of attendees was notably lower than in previous years, those who attended were highly engaged and serious about business. The quieter atmosphere allowed for more meaningful conversations between exhibitors and store owners, with less rushed interactions and more time for in-depth product discussions. First-time attendees reported finding the experience fantastic and inspiring, with opportunities to attend lectures, Schoolhouse sessions, and connect with industry leaders. The community remained vibrant and diverse, with fresh fabric lines debuting and new notions being demonstrated. The event continued to serve as a critical gathering point for relationship-building and business planning, with many describing the personal connections as the 'magic' of the show

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitor ROI at the 2025 Quilt Market was mixed but meaningful for those who attended. While the reduced foot traffic meant fewer overall visitors, the quality of interactions was often higher. Store owners had more time to engage with exhibitors, and several exhibitors reported that attendees came back to place orders after initial conversations. For smaller businesses and independent designers, the event provided access to distributors, podcast interviews, YouTube features, and other growth opportunities that extended beyond the show floor. The quieter atmosphere allowed exhibitors to have deeper conversations without feeling rushed, leading to more substantial business relationships. However, the reduced exhibitor count and lower attendance meant that ROI was not as strong as in previous years for many participants. The event's value increasingly shifted from volume of leads to quality of connections and strategic relationship-building

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Global, with North America as the largest market (55-65% share) and Asia-Pacific as the fastest-growing region (projected CAGR of 5.5-8.0%)

Why it matters

International Quilt Market Houston 2026 has been permanently cancelled, marking the end of a 46-year era for the quilting industry's only dedicated trade show-. This decision signals a fundamental shift in how the quilting and sewing industry conducts wholesale business. The industry itself remains substantial—valued at $4.5 billion in the U.S. alone with 9-11 million active consumers—but the distribution and engagement channels are evolving. The rise of online creator economies, digital shops, and new trade show entrants like h+h americas Fall Edition (debuting September 30 – October 2, 2026 in Houston) are reshaping how the craft industry connects-. For buyers and exhibitors, the absence of Quilt Market means rethinking how they discover new products, place orders, and build industry relationships. The decision was driven by feedback from attendees and exhibitors, competition for convention center dates, and the recognition that business models required a new approach. At the same time, the quilting market continues to grow—projected to reach USD 14.6 billion by 2032 —presenting significant opportunities for those who adapt to the new trade show and retail landscape

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Market Growth & Size Trajectory

The global quilt market is estimated at USD 8.5 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 14.6 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 8.3%- 2. Other estimates place the market at USD 5.62 billion in 2025, growing to USD 9.78 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 5.70%- 7. The global quilting fabric market, valued at USD 1,650 million in 2025, is expected to reach USD 2,729.1 million by 2034 at a CAGR of 5.7%-. The U.S. quilting industry alone supports an estimated $4.5 billion economy with 9–11 million active participants across North America

Shift in Retail Landscape & Consumer Behavior

The quilting industry is undergoing a major retail shake-up. Joann Fabrics filed for bankruptcy twice in less than a year and by early 2025 had begun closing all 800 of its stores. However, quilters primarily buy from local shops, and the share doing so has been rising. Nearly 18% of quilters surveyed in 2026 described themselves as new to the craft, up from 11% the year before, and committed quilters spend an average of $3,200 annually on fabric and supplies. Aggregate online sales across tracked retailers amounted to $287M in 2025, down 0-5% from the previous year, with 2026 revenue expected to decline by 10-20%

Trade Show Landscape in Flux: Quilt Market Ends, New Shows Emerge

International Quilt Market—the only trade show dedicated to the quilting and sewing industry—has been discontinued permanently after 46 years-. Koelnmesse has launched h+h americas Fall Edition, a new craft industry trade show debuting in Houston, September 30 – October 2, 2026, directly stepping into the time slot Quilt Market left behind-. The h+h americas Spring Edition continues in Rosemont, Illinois, May 6-8, 2026

Technology & Automation Reshaping Production

The global longarm quilting machine market is poised to reach an estimated valuation of $0.6 to $1.1 billion USD in 2026, with a projected CAGR of 4.2% to 6.5% through 2031. CNC automation, robotic integration, and digital connectivity are driving modernization, with touchscreens, cloud design libraries, and automated pattern execution attracting a younger, tech-savvy demographic. Computerized quilting machines and AI-driven design and inventory systems are becoming standard in large factories

Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Materials

Consumer preference is shifting toward eco-friendly and organic materials, with growing demand for quilts made of recycled cotton, organic linen, or ethically sourced silk. Manufacturers are increasingly offering products made from organic cotton, recycled textiles, and other green materials. This aligns with broader sustainability movements in textiles and the growing consumer appreciation for handcrafted and culturally inspired textiles

Rise of Digital & Customization Trends

The influence of digital platforms and social media has enhanced consumer engagement by popularizing modern quilting techniques, online tutorials, and e-commerce platforms dedicated to fabrics, tools, and quilt kits. The digitization of quilting is opening up new opportunities for virtual quilt-making classes and online quilting communities. Customers are increasingly looking for personalized quilts for weddings, special occasions, and gift-giving, driving the customization trend

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Quilt Market Discontinued Permanently; Festival Dates Changed

Koelnmesse Launches h+h americas Fall Edition in Houston for 2026

h+h americas Fall Edition Officially Launches in Houston

Quilting Industry: $4.5 Billion Hobby with 9-11 Million Participants

Podcast: 'Quilt Market Is Gone. Now What?'

Geopolitical Impact on Quilt Market Supply Chains

2026 Quilting & Craft Industry Trade Show Circuit

February 2026 – November 2026

Following the permanent discontinuation of International Quilt Market, the quilting and craft industry trade show landscape is being reshaped. Koelnmesse has launched h+h americas Fall Edition (September 30 – October 2, 2026 in Houston) as the new autumn B2B marketplace. The spring h+h americas continues in Rosemont, Illinois (May 6-8, 2026)-. The International Quilt Festival remains the largest public quilt show in the U.S. (November 12-15, 2026 in Houston)-. Additional regional and international events include QuiltCon, AQS QuiltWeek shows, Original Sewing & Quilt Expo events across multiple U.S. cities, the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham (UK), and Craft & Quilt Fairs in Australia

19–22 Feb 2026

QuiltCon 2026

Raleigh, USA

Focus on modern quilting; attracts a younger, contemporary audience

22–25 Apr 2026

AQS QuiltWeek Paducah

Paducah, USA

Part of the AQS QuiltWeek series; attracts quilters from around the globe

6–8 May 2026

h+h americas Spring 2026

Rosemont, USA

Spring edition in Chicago area; complements the new Fall edition in Houston

30 Jul – 2 Aug 2026

Festival of Quilts 2026

Birmingham, UK

Held at the National Exhibition Centre; attracts exhibitors and visitors from around the world

9–12 Sep 2026

Craft & Quilt Fair Melbourne 2026

Melbourne, Australia

Held at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre; features quilting, sewing, and crafting

30 Sep – 2 Oct 2026

h+h americas Fall Edition 2026

Houston, USA

Main focus remains quilting, supplemented by fabrics, yarns, and accessories. Education begins September 30; Expo Hall open October 1-2

15–17 Oct 2026

Original Sewing & Quilt Expo Cincinnati 2026

Cincinnati, USA

Part of a series of expos across the U.S.; features classes, demonstrations, and vendor booths

12–15 Nov 2026

International Quilt Festival Houston 2026

Houston, USA

Features over 1,200 quilts on display and 700+ vendor booths, plus hundreds of workshops-. Classes begin November 10