Does anyone have any tips for attending the stitch festival next month for the first time? I'm looking forward to going with my mum. not sure if we'll be doing any workshops but any must dos? Tips, etc would be gratefully received. 😀
Alison
· 3 days ago
Stitch Festival
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AnnieRose
· 3 days ago
Do you mean the one at the NEC? I go every year.
Take a big bag, and preferably use a backpack or even a shopping trolley!
Make sure you have a water bottle. There aren't a great deal of places to sit. Be prepared to queue for food / drink / snacks, or take your own. Best place to sit is to exit the exhibition and sit in the main thoroughfare. There is a Wetherspoons where you can dive out to watch Cheltenham, or get a pub meal.
I always take a list of bits & pieces I need, plus a list of future projects, with swatches, so I can pick up anything that seems to appeal. I make sure that favourite patterns are available on my phone.
I think the 'must-do' depends on what you want out of the show. It's laid out on a simple grid, so easy to get around and re-trace your steps if needed. I start by going to the ones I know I will want and then wandering from there. Montreux Fabrics are always popular, so it's worth going fairly near the beginning, and don't put off your decisions, or you'll find it gone! If you want to try a machine out, you should also get there early.
You can get the list of exhibitors on-line: https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/birmingham-march-2026-exhibitors/
Enjoy!
SewHayleyJane
· 2 days ago
Admin
I love going to the Stitch Festival, but sadly I don't think I can make it this year!
AnnieRose's tips are great - definitely take a water bottle and some snacks as well as a big bag.
There is a couple of eating places inside the show but they get pretty busy. There is a restaurant just outside to the left of the entrance, I can't remember what it's called but if you want to take an hour out of the day to sit an chill the food there is really nice.
The Higgs and Higgs remnant bins get pretty popular, good for a rummage.
I've never found I had enough time to do a workshop, especially not if just doing one day. Have a look at what events are on the stitch stage and try to catch one of those, otherwise just enjoy browsing and chatting to the lovely stall holders!
I made a YouTube video of my visit a couple of years ago which gives you a little taste of what it's like
AnnieRose
· 2 days ago
I realised you are talking about the Stitch Festival in Islington, not the Sewing Exhibition at the NEC - so scratch some of the specific advice (it will not be Cheltenham week!). You video is lovely to watch.
Alison
· 2 days ago
Thanks for the tips Hayley. Off to watch the video now. Who doesn't love a rummage in a remnant bin.
Alison
· 2 days ago
Thanks for the helpful tips Annie.
It's the stitch festival in London I'm going to. I wasn't aware of the show in Birmingham. It sounds great but would be further for me to travel to from the south coast.
Alison
AnnieRose
· 2 days ago
Actually Alison, I think that the one in London is propbably better, but the one in Birmingham is better for me. I can walk short distances but can't stand for too long. The NEC have mobility buggies for hire, which suits me perfectly. The Design Centre only have wheelchairs - I understand the reasons, but it makes it much more awkward. Maybe after your visit, you could let me know if there are plenty of places to sit (the NEC isn't bad, but I prefer not to rely on it)
Alison
· 1 day ago
Yes I will let you know how it was when I've been
AnnieRose
· 1 day ago
— Post Deleted —
· 1 day ago
AnnieRose
· 1 day ago
Thank you and have a lovely day
Mandie B
· 3 hours ago
Hi Alison! I went for the firat time last year on my own and doing the same again this year. Alone I could set my own schedule! I looked at the map and exhibitors list beforehand and marked the stalls I definitely wanted to visit, I ended up just browsing all of them but knowing where the key ones I wanted to visit were in the room was very helpful!
Also have a look at the schedule for the stitch stage, if there's something you definitely want to see then get there early! There's very limited seating by the stage.
Budget more money than you think you'll need if possible, I had saved some but it wasn't enough for what I wanted so I ended up dipping into more!
Lastly enjoy! It was such a great experience I can't wait to go again this year!
Alison
· 2 hours ago
Hi Mandie,
Thanks for your reply. I've started to make a list of exhibitors I want to see.
I'm going on the Friday which has Patrick Grant on the stitch stage so I'm sure that will be packed out.
Mandie B
· 2 hours ago
That's when I'm going too and very much looking forward to seeing Patrick Grant! I'm also planning to watch the live podcast with Jess from so what if I sew and Sam from sequin girly creates. Might see you there!
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