Visit our biggest stand in years, at the Festival of Quilts 2026!
We're thrilled to be exhibiting at the Festival of Quilts 2026, the UK's premier quilting event, held at the NEC Birmingham from 30th July to 2nd August 2026.
Come and find us at Hall 7, Stand K44/45; our biggest stand in many years!
See our latest ranges in person, get hands-on with live demonstrations, and meet the QD team plus three fantastic special guests, showcasing our popular brands AccuQuilt, OESD and Quilter’s Rule.
Special Guests
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Lynn Gibney, AccuQuilt
Chief Brand & Product Officer at AccuQuilt, Lynn is presenting an interactive session on the Demo Stage every day, alongside our own AccuQuilt expert Karen Purdew. This is more than a demonstration; you will get involved in creating something to take away, and can enter for a daily prize!
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Kimberly Dodson, OESD
If you have questions about machine embroidery, from choosing and using stabiliser to pressing and finishing, then you must come and see Kimberly on our stand. She will be demonstrating every day as well, so you can marvel at her perfectly-created, intricate designs.
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Patricia Simons, Quilters Rule
After last year's popular guest appearance, Patricia is joining us once again to demonstrate ruler quilting templates on our stand every day. You will see her creating many different patterns from a single template, and giving advice on achieving a fabulous finish.
Talks & Workshops
To share information and inspiration beyond our stand, our special guests and team members will also be presenting these events throughout the Festival of Quilts.
Interactive AccuQuilt Experience
Lynn Gibney & Karen Purdew
Demo Stage: 1400, Thu 30th Jul; 1500, Fri 31st Jul; 1100, Sat 1st Aug; 1330, Sun 2nd Aug (timings may change, please check the programme)
Discover how the GO!® fabric cutting system helps you cut accurate shapes quickly and easily.
Explore fresh design ideas, see time-saving techniques in action, and experience the precision that transforms your quilting.
Get involved, create something to take away, and enter for a daily prize—be inspired to quilt more with confidence and ease.
Note: Demo Stage events are included in your festival ticket, on a first come first served basis.
Making Traditional Quilts in a Non-Traditional Way
Karen Purdew
Winbourne Fabrics, Stand J40: 1015, every day
Quilt Direct in-house tutor Karen will present the TenSisters EasyPiecing Grid, for perfectly nested corners with no pinning required.
There are three simple steps: cut and place; fold and sew; press complete. You'll be amazed at how effective and quick sewing with the TenSisters system can be!
Combined with Moda fabrics and the AccuQuilt system, this is a great way to quickly and accurately complete complicated-looking quilts.
Rulerwork 101
Patricia Simons, Quilter's Rule
Concourse Suite 20: 1615, Fri 31st Jul
Are you ready to take the next step beyond stitching in the ditch and meandering with your home machine?
Perhaps you have heard of a particular foot you can put on your home machine to use 'rulers' when quilting? Do you have a mid- or long-arm machine and you want to try using rulers?
Learn the basics of machine quilting with rulers, and find out:
- Why do some call them rulers while others call them templates;
- Why rulers/templates are made out of different thicknesses;
- Strategies for getting really small or getting points.
Get the facts and knowledge to leap into the exciting world of templates and all the possibilities available.
To book tickets, search for Lectures & Talks 526.
Note: Ticket prices for talks increase from Mon 20th July. Please book in advance for early bird pricing.
Tools of the Trade: Embroidery Edition
Kimberly Dodson, OESD
Concourse Suite 20: 1115, Sat 1st Aug
Take your embroidery skills beyond the basics in this technique-focused class that explores how the right tools and methods open the door to creative possibilities.
Kimberly will cover a wide range of embroidery applications including free-standing lace, garment embroidery, card making, and appliqué, along with tips for achieving clean, professional results with each technique. You’ll also learn how speciality tools, stabilisers, and proper set-up play a key role in success across different projects.
Whether you’re looking to expand your skill set or gain inspiration for new projects, this class will show how versatile machine embroidery can be—and what’s possible when technique meets technology.
To book tickets, search for Lectures & Talks 530.
Note: Ticket prices for talks increase from Mon 20th July. Please book in advance for early bird pricing.
Christmas Trees Galore
Karen Purdew, AccuQuilt Ambassador
Quick & Easy Workshops area: 1215, Sun 2nd Aug
Join Karen to see how many different Christmas trees designs you can make from dies that are NOT Christmas trees!
A fun exploration in design which will result in one wall hanging of your choice, ready to take home and sew. During the session you will also explore and discover several innovative designs using different dies.
All materials and full instructions will be provided in your workshop kit.
To book tickets, search for Quick & Easy Workshops 316.
Tickets for Festival of Quilts 2026
If you haven't already purchased your admission tickets, please use our discount code QUILTDIRECT for £2 off standard adult/concession day tickets for Thursday, Friday or Saturday.
Featured Brands
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AccuQuilt
See All ProductsUK Exclusive Supplier
Fast, accurate, consistent die-cutting that saves time and reduces fabric waste.
- Wide range of GO! cutters
- Dies for piecing, blocks, appliqué and projects
- Accessories and embroidery designs
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OESD
See All ProductsUK Premier Stockist
One of the world's leading names in professional machine embroidery.
- Beautifully digitised designs
- Premium stabilisers for every type of project
- Specialist embroidery accessories
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Quilter's Rule
See All ProductsUK Exclusive Stockist
Designed to help quilters achieve accurate, consistent results for every cut and block.
- Precision quilting rulers in ¼" and ⅛" thickness
- Templates in specialty shapes
- Innovative cutting guides and practical tools
Can't join us at The Festival of Quilts?
Don't miss out on all this information and inspiration!
Call 01822 810877 to book an appointment at our studios for product demonstrations.
Classes, workshops, retreats and personalised tuition available to book online.