Quilting Shows in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is one of America's great quilting states. The Amish and Mennonite communities of Lancaster County have produced hand-stitched quilts for generations, making the region a destination for quilters worldwide. The Kutztown Folk Festival displays 2,500+ quilts each July — one of the largest quilt exhibitions in the country.
The quilting tradition extends well beyond Lancaster. The PA Guild of Craftsmen, headquartered in Lancaster and established in 1946, is one of the largest craft organizations in the nation and regularly features fiber arts in its juried shows. Philadelphia's contemporary craft scene and Pittsburgh's indie maker community both contribute to a statewide quilting culture that spans heritage and innovation.
Top Quilting Events in Pennsylvania
- Kutztown Folk Festival — Kutztown Fairgrounds; July 4-12; 9 days; 200+ juried folk artists; 2,500+ quilts on display; one of the largest folk events in the US
- Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show — Pennsylvania Convention Center; November; ~195 artists including fiber artists; 50th annual in 2026
- PA Guild of Craftsmen Fine Craft Fairs — Summer edition at Foundry 48 in Lititz (June); Fall edition at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks (October); juried shows with textile and fiber art categories
- Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival — Allentown area; fiber arts, spinning, weaving, and quilting supplies and demonstrations
- Lititz Craft Show — Lancaster County; one of the largest craft shows on the East Coast with 700+ crafters including quilters and fiber artists
What to Expect
Lancaster County is the heart of Pennsylvania quilting. The Amish and Mennonite tradition of hand-pieced and hand-quilted work produces some of the most sought-after quilts in the country. Quilt shops line the roads through the county, and visitors can purchase handmade quilts directly from community-run shops. The Kutztown Folk Festival, held 9 days around July 4th, is the largest annual showcase — thousands of quilts are displayed alongside traditional folk art demonstrations.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show is one of the most prestigious juried craft events in the country. Now in its 50th year, it features approximately 195 artists working in all media, with strong representation from fiber artists and art quilters. This is where contemporary quilting meets fine art collecting.
The PA Guild of Craftsmen runs juried fine craft fairs in Lititz (summer) and Oaks near Philadelphia (fall) that include textile and fiber art categories. Pittsburgh contributes through Handmade Arcade and the indie craft community, where quilters and fiber artists are a consistent presence at holiday markets. The Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival in the Allentown area draws spinners, weavers, and quilters from across the mid-Atlantic.
Popular Cities for Quilting Shows
- Lancaster — Amish quilting capital; PA Guild of Craftsmen headquarters; quilt shops and handmade markets
- Kutztown — Kutztown Folk Festival with 2,500+ quilts; Pennsylvania Dutch quilting traditions
- Philadelphia — Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show; Rittenhouse Square Fine Craft Show; Craft Now Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh — Handmade Arcade; indie maker community with fiber arts presence
- Allentown — Lehigh Valley Fiber Festival; quilting and fiber arts community in the Lehigh Valley corridor
See all craft events in Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Amish quilts in Pennsylvania?
Lancaster County is the primary destination. Amish and Mennonite communities operate quilt shops throughout the county where you can purchase handmade quilts directly. The Kutztown Folk Festival in July also features hundreds of quilts for sale alongside the exhibition. Many shops accept custom orders for specific patterns and sizes.
What makes Pennsylvania quilting unique?
Pennsylvania's quilting heritage is deeply tied to the Pennsylvania Dutch — Amish, Mennonite, and German Reformed — communities whose hand-stitching traditions date to the 18th century. Lancaster County quilts are known for bold solid-color fabrics, precise geometric patterns, and hand quilting at 10-12 stitches per inch. The contrast between these heritage traditions and Philadelphia's contemporary art quilt scene gives the state unusual range.
When is the Kutztown Folk Festival?
The Kutztown Folk Festival runs for 9 days around July 4th at the Kutztown Fairgrounds. It is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America, featuring 200+ juried folk artists and 2,500+ quilts. Quilting demonstrations, hex sign painting, and other Pennsylvania Dutch traditions are central to the festival experience.