The International Quilt Festival is almost here, and nothing brings back the joy of quilting quite like a Festival memory. Julie’s very first trip was in 1995 with her mom and sister. While Mom was the accomplished quilter, Julie was a beginner who dabbled in pillows, and her sister made a “big purchase” that’s still part of her holiday display. We stayed at a nearby hotel, wore comfortable shoes and matching pink-striped shirts so we could find one another in the crowd, and carried collapsible shopping bags stuffed with snacks. Little comforts—hard candy, gum, a quick nap—kept the day magical and manageable.

Festival Planning Tips for Quilters and Sewists

• Buy tickets online before you go to skip the line.

• Start with a plan: study the exhibitor list, highlight must-see booths, and map a route.

• Pick a clear meeting place (an aisle number or a well-known booth makes reunions easy).

• If you love it, buy it immediately—popular kits, rulers, and specialty notions can sell out fast.

• Bring a collapsible shopping bag to combine purchases and save your arms.

• Wear comfortable shoes and layers; convention centers can vary in temperature.

• Hydrate often and tuck snacks into your bag to keep energy up between booths.

Make the Most of the Shop Hop

The Festival often features a Shop Hop where you collect a passport, visit participating booths, and pick up blocks for a quilt. The 2025 fabrics are especially stunning—I think they may be my favorite ever!

Collecting passport blocks is a fun way to discover new fabrics, try small projects, and come away with a collaborative quilt-in-progress. 

Food, Rest, and Practicalities

Festival lunch areas are busy. Save time by choosing one vendor to feed your group quickly while one person watches seats and shopping bags. Organizers often adjust restroom access to help lines move faster, but a short break to sit and regroup will keep your day enjoyable. Don’t forget: short rests let you shop longer and make clearer choices.

Try Before You Buy

Stop at machine booths and try models you’re curious about. Sitting down and testing features is how Julie upgraded from a table-top longarm to a frame-mounted longarm. Demoing gadgets and tools can change how you think about future purchases and your workflow.

Cupcake Quilts at the Festival

These days Julie spends time helping at the Cupcake Quilts booth, which means less shopping—but she still circles her favorites. Don’t miss the Kai Scissors booth—their professional series and seam rippers are amazing.

Be sure to stop by Booth 935 to say hello, try our favorite notions (we are the BERNINA Accessory dealer at the show), and ask about classes and machine support. 

Stop by Booth 935, share your Festival finds, and tell us what you discover. Whether you’re seasoned at Festival strategy or heading in for your first day of inspiration, a little planning and a lot of curiosity will make this show your best one yet. See you there!