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 quilting tradition extends well beyond Lancaster. The PA Guild of Craftsmen, headquartered in Lancaster and established in 1944, 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; long known for its Pennsylvania Dutch quilt sale, but cancelled in 2025 and not held since
- Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show — Pennsylvania Convention Center; November; ~195 artists including fiber artists
- 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 24–25 in 2026); 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 — Lititz, Lancaster County; second Saturday in August; about 550 crafters
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 Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show is one of the most prestigious juried craft events in the country. 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 — former home of the Kutztown Folk Festival quilt sale; 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. 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.
Is the Kutztown Folk Festival still held?
No. The Kutztown Folk Festival ran at the Kutztown Fairgrounds from 1950 through 2024 and was known for its Pennsylvania Dutch quilt sale. Organizers cancelled the 2025 festival, citing low attendance and financial losses, and it has not returned. The Eastern PA Homestead Festival now runs on the same grounds in early July.