Quilting Shows in Indiana
Indiana's quilting scene is anchored by the Amish communities of Shipshewana and LaGrange County — the largest Amish settlement in the state — where handmade quilts, woven goods, and fiber arts are a way of life. The Shipshewana Flea Market, the Midwest's largest outdoor flea market with nearly 700 booths on 40 acres, is a destination for quilters seeking Amish-made quilts and fabric.
Beyond Amish Country, Indiana has quilting guilds in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Bloomington, South Bend, and communities across all 92 counties. The Indiana State Fair includes quilting competitions in its home arts program, and the state's artist colony in Nashville, Brown County supports fiber artists among its 200+ working artists.
Top Quilting Events in Indiana
- Shipshewana Fall Crafters Fair — Shipshewana; October; 100,000 sq ft; 120+ vendors; handmade goods in Amish country including quilts
- Broad Ripple Art Fair — Indianapolis Art Center; May; 54th edition in 2026; 225+ exhibitors; 25,000+ visitors; fiber arts and textile categories
- Indiana Artisan Marketplace — Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis; March 28-29, 2026; nearly 100 Indiana-certified artisans including textile artists
- Indiana State Fair — Indianapolis; August 7-23, 2026; quilting competitions and fiber arts in home arts division
- Brown County Studio Tour — Nashville/Brown County; October; free self-guided tour of 200+ working artists including fiber artists and quilters
What to Expect
Shipshewana is Indiana's quilting destination. The Amish community produces handmade quilts that are sold at shops throughout LaGrange County, at the Shipshewana Flea Market (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, May through September), and at the Fall Crafters Fair each October. The quilts here follow traditional Amish patterns — solid colors, precise geometric designs, and hand-stitching — and are among the most sought-after in the Midwest.
Indianapolis hosts the state's largest juried events. The Broad Ripple Art Fair, now in its 54th year, draws 225+ exhibitors and 25,000+ visitors with fiber arts among the featured categories. The Indiana Artisan Marketplace at the State Fairgrounds brings nearly 100 Indiana-certified artisans together in March, with textile artists included in the juried lineup. The Indiana State Fair in August runs quilting competitions as part of its home arts program.
Brown County — Indiana's most celebrated artist colony, established in the 1920s — supports fiber artists among its 200+ working artists in and around Nashville. The annual Studio Tour each October opens dozens of studios to visitors, including quilters and textile artists. The Brown County Craft Gallery, operating since 1978, sells handmade quilts and fiber work year-round.
Popular Cities for Quilting Shows
- Shipshewana — Amish quilting destination; Fall Crafters Fair; Midwest's largest outdoor flea market
- Indianapolis — Broad Ripple Art Fair; Indiana Artisan Marketplace; Indiana State Fair
- Nashville — Brown County artist colony; Studio Tour; Brown County Craft Gallery
- Bloomington — Handmade Market; 4th Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts; IU creative community
- Fort Wayne — Northrop Craft Bazaar; Allen County Fair; Northeast Indiana quilting guilds
See all craft events in Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Amish quilts in Indiana?
Shipshewana and LaGrange County are the primary destinations. Quilt shops in the area sell handmade Amish quilts, fabric, and quilting supplies. The Shipshewana Flea Market (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, May through September, nearly 700 booths) regularly has quilting vendors. The Fall Crafters Fair in October is another opportunity. Many shops accept custom quilt orders.
What is the Indiana Artisan program?
Indiana Artisan is a state-designated program that identifies and certifies Indiana's highest-quality fine art, craft, food, and beverage makers. Certified artisans — including quilters and textile artists — exhibit at the annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace in Indianapolis each March. The program also maintains retail presence at French Lick Resort and the Carmel Arts & Design District.
When are the best quilting events in Indiana?
Spring and fall are the strongest seasons. The Indiana Artisan Marketplace runs in March, the Broad Ripple Art Fair in May. The Indiana State Fair is in August. October brings the Shipshewana Fall Crafters Fair and the Brown County Studio Tour. Holiday markets in November and December round out the calendar.