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
Congratulations to our 2025 Scholarship Winners
We are very excited to announce the 10 small business winners of our 2025 Craft Industry Alliance scholarship.
AI for Small Business Marketing: Your Essential Guide
Learn the basics of AI and how to apply them in your business. Use these AI prompts specific to small business owners.
A Craft Buffet for Everyone: Crafteraunt Serves Up Creativity Without the Cleanup
Crafteraunt is a Northfield, NJ-based “Craftaurant” where guests of all ages can walk in and enjoy a rotating menu of hands-on projects—no setup, no cleanup. With seasonal crafts, wellness DIYs, and take-home kits, it’s creativity made easy and fun.
How Private Equity is Reshaping the Crafts Industry
Many of the recent shakeups in the craft world were instigated by private equity investors. A new book explains their motivations.
Sewing Machine Project Collects and Distributes Sewing Machines to Groups in Need
The Sewing Machine Project is a non-profit based in Monona, Wisconsin, that collects and distributes sewing machines to people in need.
Substack Offers Craft Businesses More Than Just a Newsletter
Crafters are turning Substack newsletters into paid income streams. Learn how creators like Jennifer Perkins transitioned from free to paid content—and what to consider first.
From a Kharkiv Garage to a WorldWide Supplier: What it Takes to Operate a Business in Ukraine
For Abris Art, a bead embroidery and cross stitch design company based in Kharkiv, their world turned upside-down overnight due to the war in Ukraine.
Update on the Potential Fate of the Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands
Design Group Americas (DGA), parent company of the Big 4 sewing pattern brands, announced on Friday that it has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
How to Host a Crafting at the Movies Event at Your Local Theater
Brick-and-mortar shop owners are arranging a new sort of social craft night for their customers: crafting at the movies. Watching a film with the lights turned up is a fun way to craft and build community.
What’s New in Craft: Basket Weaving
Discover the growing trend of basket weaving with inspiring makers, must-read books, classes, and kits to spark your creativity.
The 2025 Craft Industry Alliance Scholarship Program: Applications Now Open
The Craft Industry Alliance 2025 Scholarship program is now open for applications. Craft business owners are encouraged to apply.
ByHand Consulting: Growing Global Artisan Brands
ByHand Consulting supports artisan entrepreneurs around the globe by offering coaching, marketing strategies, and sourcing programs to help them enter and thrive in the U.S. wholesale handmade market.