CELEBRATION OF CONTEMPORARY STITCH CRAFT RETURNS TO LONDON IN MARCH 2023
Share
London’s hottest event for contemporary stitchers, The Stitch Festival, returns to the Business Design Centre, Islington from 23rd-26th March 2023, and tickets are on sale now.
The annual four-day fabric-filled extravaganza is a ‘must go’ for textile craft fans, with more than 230 hands-on workshops hosted by top tutors, designers, and makers, and sponsored by Janome. There are classes for every level of stitcher, from beginners to experts, with a vast range of textile crafts represented, from macrame and machine sewing to embroidery, needle felting and knitting.
Dressmaking, upcycling, and slow fashion are a major focus for The Stitch Festival, with a dedicated Dressmaking Studio (sponsored by Brother), an overlocker workshop programme, and a Dressmaking Competition that shines a spotlight on the skills and talents of home dressmakers. Open to sewers of all levels, there are categories for eveningwear, loungewear, childrenswear, knitwear and crochetwear, Upcycled or repurposed garments, and new for 2023, menswear. Eagle-eyed judges from the worlds of fashion and textiles (past judges have included Esme Young, Lisa Comfort and Nerrisa Pratt) will be looking for excellence in technical skills, stitching and creative flair. With prizes for category winners, a Janome Sewing Machine worth £650 for ‘Best in Competition’, and a Finalists’ Fashion Show on Sunday 26th March, Stitch Festival visitors can expect some exciting highlights. Competition entry submissions must be made by Friday 24th February 2023. For full entry information go to, thestitchfestival.co.uk/dressmaking-competition/
Inspiring textile displays and creative collaborations are always an exciting feature of The Stitch Festival, and 2023 is no exception. Two iconic names from the dressmaking world, Fabric Godmother, the online fabric retailer, and independent sewing pattern label, By Hand London, will be celebrating their tenth anniversaries with an exclusive retrospective exhibition of unique pieces than span the last decade. There’s an exciting competition too for visitors to win the chance to get their own pattern made up.
The ever-colourful crochet designer Katie Jones has designed a joyful Crochet Lounge where she’ll be hosting granny square crochet lessons and book signings. Textile artist Jen Cable’s project, Knitted Lives, will be a celebration of contemporary knitting, exploring the lives and stories of everyday knitters, while best-selling author and craft entrepreneur, Isabella Strambio, will be inviting Festival goers to awaken their creativity as she shares her passion for macrame.
Looking for inspiration for new projects? The Festival’s Stitch Stage features free demonstrations, presentations and Q&As with some favourite faces from the knit and stitch world. On Saturday 25th March, the Instagram Makers’ Catwalk features garments made and modelled by talented Insta makers, supported by independent pattern makers and fabric companies.
Last but not least, there’s shopping, with more than 150 specialist retailers under one roof and special Stitch Festival deals to be had, plus all that vibrant Islington has to offer with its stores, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Advance adult tickets for The Stitch Festival are £16.50 from Thursday to Saturday (concessions £15, children aged 5-18 years £7.50) and £14.50 on Sunday (concessions £13, children aged 5-18 years £7.50). VIP tickets start at £43. Booking fees apply. Full ticket information is available at The Stitch Festival website www.thestitchfestival.co.uk. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Opening hours are 10am-5.30pm on Thursday-Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday.
For an exclusive heyday discount use: HEYDAY23
The discount is £2 off standard adult / concession tickets booked before 11.59pm Wednesday 22nd March 2023. Offer not valid on Sunday 26th March. Booking fee applies.
*Save £2.00 on adult and concession tickets when quoting discount code at checkout. To purchase tickets, visit thestitchfestival.co.uk. Not valid on child, VIP or group tickets and cannot be used on Sunday 26th March. £3.50 transaction fee applies per e-ticket order (for any number of e-tickets purchased), and a £3.95 transaction fee applies per postal ticket order. T&Cs apply. Discount expires 11:59pm 22nd March.
Social Media