How Quilting Came to Dominate the U.S. Sewing Market
Why did quilting become the economic and cultural engine of home sewing in the U.S., while apparel sewing retained its foothold in Europe? This article explores the social, economic, and industry forces—from globalization and retail consolidation to technology and community—that reshaped sewing on both sides of the Atlantic.
Large Format Pattern Printing: Another Way for Fabric Shops to Meet Customer Needs
As more sewists turn to PDF patterns, fabric shops have an opportunity to meet customer needs by offering large format pattern printing. This article explores the costs, pricing strategies, space requirements, and real-world experiences of shop owners who’ve added printing services to boost revenue, increase foot traffic, and build customer loyalty.
Large Format Pattern Printing: Another Way for Fabric Shops to Meet Customer Needs
As more sewists turn to PDF patterns, fabric shops have an opportunity to meet customer needs by offering large format pattern printing. This article explores the costs, pricing strategies, space requirements, and real-world experiences of shop owners who’ve added printing services to boost revenue, increase foot traffic, and build customer loyalty.
Take a Craft Business Class at h+h americas 2026
Are you interested in developing new skills to run your craft business? Invest in yourself by taking some classes at h+h americas, the premier trade show for the crafts industry coming to Chicago May 6-8, 2026.
Take a Craft Business Class at h+h americas 2026
Are you interested in developing new skills to run your craft business? Invest in yourself by taking some classes at h+h americas, the premier trade show for the crafts industry coming to Chicago May 6-8, 2026.
h+h University 2026 Schedule
Join us for h+h University on Tuesday May 5 for a day long conference before the start of h+h americas.
h+h University 2026 Schedule
Join us for h+h University on Tuesday May 5 for a day long conference before the start of h+h americas.
The Latest
Lion Brand’s Parent Company Acquires Knitting Fever
Lion Brand’s parent company has acquired the wholesale distributor of knitting and crochet supplies, Knitting Fever.
When the Color of the Year Isn’t the Star
Pantone’s Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, may seem subtle at first glance, but for textile artists and craft professionals, its power lies in what it supports rather than what it demands. This article explores how Cloud Dancer functions as structure, negative space, and a creative catalyst across knitting, quilting, dyeing, and textile design.
The h+h americas Experience 2026: An Information Session
Join us for an evening information session about h+h americas, the premier trade show for the crafts industry. Hear from past exhibitors and attendees, ask questions, and learn about the opportunity to attend the 2026 show.
Resilience in Bloom: What Sola Flowers Taught Me About Craft, Growth, and Possibility
After her 2020 wedding was canceled, Samantha Friedrich turned leftover sola wood flowers into a creative practice that reshaped her career. This reflective essay explores resilience, slow growth, and how skill-building and quiet consistency can turn craft into a sustainable livelihood for makers and creative business owners.
As Quilt Market Ends, h+h americas Introduces New Fall Trade Show in Houston
Koelnmesse has announced the launch of h+h americas Fall Edition, a new craft industry trade show debuting in Houston, Texas, October 1–2, 2026. The event will feature a streamlined format with education, hands-on activations, and a strong roster of committed exhibitors, arriving amid major shifts in the trade show landscape following the closure of Quilt Market.
Craft Industry Reflections on 2025 and Predictions for 2026
We ask industry professionals to look back and reflect on 2025 and make predictions for how business will unfold in 2026.
Inside Frocktails: Where Handmade Clothes and Community Take Center Stage
Frocktails events bring sewists together to celebrate handmade garments, build community, and connect in person. Learn what frocktails are, why they matter to the sewing world, and practical tips for planning, marketing, and hosting a successful event—from choosing a venue to creating activities attendees love.
Crafting Accessibility with Beth Gorishek
Discover how accessibility advocate Beth Gorishek empowers makers to adapt their craft, remove barriers, and build a more inclusive fiber arts community.
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More recent articles
Announcing the Winners of the h+h americas 2026 Retailer Scholarship
Craft Industry Alliance and Koelnmesse, Inc., today are thrilled to announce the winners of our first annual retailer scholarship program for h+h americas.
Inside Stitch Buffalo: A Vibrant Hub for Textile Arts and Refugee Makers
Discover how Stitch Buffalo empowers refugee women through textile arts, community partnerships, and creative entrepreneurship, transforming a neighborhood in the process.
SewShare: A Brand New Sewing Community and Marketplace
SewShare is a new online sewing community and marketplace created by Creativebug founders Ursula Morgan and Julie Roehm. Bringing together education, supplies, patterns, and community in one place, SewShare supports sewists and independent designers with forums, technique libraries, a robust pattern marketplace, and interactive storefronts.
How to Organize a Community Art Project
Learn how three artists organized community art projects, bringing people of different backgrounds and levels of experience together around creativity.
Embroydica Connects Global Embroidery Traditions in One Online Destination
Discover Embroydica, the online encyclopedia for all things embroidery, founded by mother-daughter duo Lilia Filkov and Roza Goltser. Explore embroidery’s rich history, modern artistry, and global techniques through curated articles, tutorials, and community features connecting stitchers worldwide. Celebrate creativity, culture, and connection—one stitch at a time.
Halloween Trends for 2025
We take a look at creative trends to expect this Halloween, including gothic romanticism/witchcore, botanical/floaral elements, quilted patchwork ghosts and neon colors.
“Color You Can Hold”: Why Artists Love the Playful Power of Polymer Clay
Once considered a children’s craft material, polymer clay has evolved into a respected art medium embraced by jewelry designers, sculptors, and fine artists. Its versatility, affordability, and vibrant color possibilities make it a favorite among creatives seeking freedom to experiment. In this feature, writer Roberta G. Wax explores how polymer clay artists such as Adriana Allen, Michelle Butler, and Dr. Ron Lehocky are pushing the medium’s boundaries—from intricate floral earrings to heart-shaped pins that have raised thousands for charity. Discover how polymer clay’s accessibility and expressive potential continue to inspire a thriving global community of makers and collectors.
The Smithsonian Honors a Century of Making at the State Fair
What makes something art or craft? Gwen Bortner explores this question through State Fairs: Growing American Craft at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, celebrating generations of makers whose work blurs the line between artistry, skill, and tradition.
Sewing Patterns Rise from DGA Bankruptcy Ashes
After months of uncertainty, the “Big 4” sewing pattern brands — Simplicity, McCall’s, Vogue, and Butterick — have been saved. Rubelmann Capital and longtime Simplicity executive Abbie Small are leading a relaunch of the historic pattern company, preserving jobs, archives, and the last U.S. tissue pattern presses while modernizing for a digital future.
Cincinnati’s Sew Valley Proves Ethical Fashion Can Thrive at Home
Discover Sew Valley, Cincinnati’s sustainable apparel hub offering manufacturing, training, and support for fashion entrepreneurs and small-batch designers.
Scholarships Available for Brick-and-Mortar Shop Owners to Attend h+h americas 2026
Craft Industry Alliance and h+h americas are proud to be offering scholarships for brick-and-mortar retailers to attend h+h americas 2026.
Craft Industry Supply Chains Under Pressure Amid Tariff Shake-Up
The U.S. tariff landscape is shifting, making countries like Pakistan a new manufacturing powerhouse while India faces tough new realities.