CategoryArts & Crafts
Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival
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About this event
Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival
The Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival is a creativity-focused event celebrating fiber and fabric arts—bringing together makers, educators, exhibitors, and communities who love crafting. We welcome attendees of all experience levels with workshops, expert-led instruction, interactive demos, and hands-on maker experiences designed to inspire new techniques and help participants grow their skills.
The event is held in the United States at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
Dates
- April 30, 2026 (Conference)
- May 1–3, 2026 (Festival)
What to Expect
Classes
Attendees can participate in engaging workshops, knowledgeable expert-led classes, and interactive demonstrations that ignite creativity and enhance skills—whether attendees are beginners or advanced makers. The festival experience is built around learning, creating, and gaining fresh ideas through structured class programming and ongoing activity areas.
Exhibits
The exhibits spotlight new tools, techniques, and trends in the fiber and fabric arts community. Through exhibitor offerings and on-floor product exploration, attendees can discover creative solutions and ideas that support their craft interests, including materials, supplies, and craft innovations.
Experiences & Interactive Maker Spaces
The festival also features interactive experiences, hands-on activities, and creative spaces designed to make it easy for attendees to connect, learn through doing, and enjoy the craft community. These areas are designed to spark joy, encourage engagement, and help attendees turn ideas into finished projects.
Creative Focus Areas
The festival celebrates a wide range of craft categories, including:
- Knitting & Quilting
- Sewing & Crochet
- Spinning & Weaving
- Cosplay & Garment Making
- Needlework & Embroidery
- Beading & Jewelry Making
- General Arts & Crafts
- Buttons & Accessories
- Painting & Mixed Media
Community, Inspiration & Participation
We build the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival around community and creativity—connecting like-minded crafters, supporting learning through expert instruction, and bringing exhibitors and partners into a shared environment where attendees can explore, engage, and create. The festival encourages connection across guilds, clubs, and organizations, and we also offer ways to participate through options such as volunteering and access resources for first-time attendees.
We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring event full of learning, product discovery, and hands-on craft fun at the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival in Rosemont, Illinois.
Website: https://fiberfabriccraft.com/
Data sheet
Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: April 29 – May 2, 2027
Location: Rosemont, IL, United States
Event Status: Upcoming
Research Date: July 1, 2026
Event Overview
| Event Name | Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival |
| Event Date | April 29 – May 2, 2027 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center |
| City | Rosemont |
| State / Region | Illinois |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | h+h americas / Koelnmesse (as presented on the official site) |
| Official Event Website | fiberfabriccraft.com |
| Event Type | Consumer-facing craft festival with classes, exhibits, experiences, and exhibitor participation |
| Primary Category | Arts & Crafts |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | Apparel & Clothing; Business Services; Retail; Education & Training |
| Audience Reach | National with selective North American reach |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. Official site states 250+ exhibitors and 200+ classes. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Medium. Exhibitor and class counts are published on the official site; total attendance is not confirmed. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To connect the fiber, fabric, sewing, quilting, and creative crafts community through education, product discovery, live demonstrations, and exhibitor engagement. |
About the Event
Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival is a consumer and trade-adjacent creative industry event focused on fiber arts, sewing, quilting, crochet, knitting, embroidery, beading, mixed media, and related maker categories. The official website positions the event as a hands-on environment featuring classes, exhibits, experiences, competitions, and exhibitor participation, with a strong emphasis on creative learning and product discovery.
The event matters because it brings together makers, educators, brands, retailers, and craft-industry suppliers in one place where buying intent is often driven by inspiration, technique, and new product discovery. It is especially relevant for companies selling tools, materials, notions, kits, creative supplies, retail programs, education content, and consumer craft products seeking direct exposure to engaged hobbyists, teachers, clubs, and small-business operators.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent makers and hobbyists | Individual crafters, sewing enthusiasts, quilting communities | Direct buyer of supplies, kits, tools, and learning products | High product trial and impulse-purchase potential |
| Retail buyers and category managers | Craft retailers, specialty stores, online craft shops | Selects product assortments and seasonal SKUs | Important for wholesale, distribution, and new product introductions |
| Wholesalers and distributors | Craft distributors, notions wholesalers, sewing supply distributors | Purchases for resale and channel expansion | Relevant for brands seeking broader market access |
| Importers and private-label sourcing teams | Craft product importers, private-label brands, sourcing offices | Sources OEM/ODM products and packaging | Useful for manufacturers and overseas suppliers |
| Small business owners | Etsy sellers, craft studios, quilt shops, independent makers | Buys inventory, tools, software, and packaging | Strong fit for starter kits, wholesale, and education offers |
| Educators and workshop leaders | Teaching artists, instructors, guild leaders, class organizers | Influences curriculum and tool preferences | Important for class materials, demo products, and sponsorships |
| Association and guild leaders | Craft guilds, sewing associations, quilting clubs | Curates member recommendations and group purchasing | Valuable for community partnerships and bulk offers |
| Media and content creators | Craft bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, magazines | Influences brand discovery and product reviews | Useful for amplification, launches, and creator partnerships |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city: Rosemont | Local attendees, instructors, vendors, club members | Medium | Convenient access for Chicago-area buyers and hobbyists |
| Host state: Illinois | Regional buyers, specialty retailers, guilds, educators | High | Strong Midwest craft and retail market presence |
| Nearby business hubs: Chicago metro, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, Minneapolis | Retailers, distributors, educators, content creators | High | Large drive-in attendee base and easy airport access |
| National U.S. reach | Brand buyers, instructors, guild leaders, makers from across the country | High | Event marketing and exhibitor mix indicate broad U.S. appeal |
| International reach | Selective North American and international craft-industry participants | Low to Medium | More limited than global trade fairs, but relevant for specialty suppliers |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| National | Primary classification | Official positioning, exhibitor scale, and class programming indicate a broad U.S. audience. |
| Secondary reach description | North American selective | The event may also attract Canadian and other regional craft-industry participants, especially brands and educators. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JOANN Inc. | Craft retail chain | Major U.S. craft retail buyer of fabric, sewing, quilting, and maker products | joann.com | Category Manager, Merchandising Director, Sourcing Manager, VP Merchandising | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Michaels Stores, Inc. | Craft retail chain | Large specialty retailer for craft supplies and DIY materials | michaels.com | Merchandising Manager, Buyer, Category Manager, Director of Product | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. | Craft and hobby retailer | Likely buyer for sewing, quilting, yarn, and decorative craft categories | hobbylobby.com | Buyer, Category Manager, Merchandise Planner, VP Merchandising | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Cricut, Inc. | Creative technology brand | Relevant for tools, accessories, materials, and maker ecosystem partnerships | cricut.com | Product Manager, Partnerships Director, Sourcing Manager, Brand Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| The Robert Kaufman Co. | Fabric manufacturer / wholesaler | Core supplier to quilting and sewing retail channels | robertkaufman.com | Sales Director, Trade Marketing Manager, Product Development, National Account Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Aurifil USA | Thread brand / supplier | High relevance for sewing, quilting, embroidery, and premium notions buyers | aurifil.com | Sales Manager, Retail Accounts, Brand Partnerships, Product Marketing | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Fons & Porter / Love of Quilting | Media / education brand | Useful for sponsorships, content partnerships, and audience reach | quiltingdaily.com | Publisher, Partnerships Director, Advertising Sales, Content Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Vogue Fabrics | Fabric retailer / wholesaler | Directly aligned with fabric sourcing, retail, and sewing audiences | voguefabricsstore.com | Owner, Buyer, Merchandising Lead, Wholesale Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Moda Fabrics + Supplies | Fabric wholesaler | Major quilting and sewing wholesale brand | modafabrics.com | National Sales Manager, Product Development, Retail Partnerships, Buyer | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| KnitPro | Needle and tools manufacturer | Relevant for knitting, crochet, and needlecraft retail buyers | knitpro.eu | Export Manager, Retail Sales Director, Channel Manager, Product Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| DMC | Embroidery and thread supplier | Aligned with embroidery, needlework, and cross-stitch channels | dmc.com | Sales Director, Channel Sales, Marketing Manager, Product Development | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Sew Mama Sew | Sewing media / community | Good partner for education, promotions, and maker community engagement | sewmamasew.com | Editor, Partnerships Manager, Sponsorship Sales, Community Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Merchandising Officer / VP Merchandising | Merchandising | Executive | Sets assortment strategy and major buying direction for retail channels. |
| 2 | Buyer / Category Manager | Buying / Merchandising | Manager | Directly responsible for product selection, vendor review, and assortment expansion. |
| 3 | Sourcing Manager / Purchasing Manager | Procurement / Sourcing | Manager | Relevant for wholesale, private-label, and OEM supply relationships. |
| 4 | Product Development Manager | Product / Innovation | Manager | Sources materials and concepts for new collections and launches. |
| 5 | Wholesale Account Manager | Sales | Manager | Manages retail and distributor relationships for craft brands. |
| 6 | Director of Education / Program Manager | Education / Programming | Director / Manager | Buys or influences workshop content, tools, and classroom supplies. |
| 7 | Marketing Director / Partnerships Director | Marketing / Partnerships | Director | Important for sponsorships, co-marketing, and creator partnerships. |
| 8 | Small Business Owner / Founder | Owner / Operations | Owner | Buys inventory, tools, branding, packaging, and learning resources. |
| 9 | Community / Guild Leader | Community / Association | Leader | Influences group purchasing and event-driven promotions. |
| 10 | Content Creator / Editor / Publisher | Media | Manager / Director | Amplifies event coverage and product visibility. |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Retail | Core audience includes craft stores, specialty retailers, and category buyers. | Merchandising and assortment outreach |
| 2 | Apparel & Fashion | Relevant for garment making, fabric sourcing, and textile buyers. | Fabric and notions sourcing |
| 3 | Wholesale | Distributors and channel buyers are relevant for volume craft products. | Channel sales and resale partnerships |
| 4 | Import & Export | Useful for international sourcing and private-label supply chains. | OEM/ODM supplier outreach |
| 5 | Consumer Goods | Many exhibitors and attendees buy packaged craft consumer products. | Brand and product launch targeting |
| 6 | Media Production | Craft media and content creators support promotion and education. | Partnership and influencer outreach |
| 7 | Marketing & Advertising | Relevant for sponsorships, affiliate programs, and content partnerships. | Event promotion and co-marketing |
| 8 | Design | Product design and creative development are central to craft brands. | Creative tool and material demos |
| 9 | Business Supplies & Equipment | Supports tools, packaging, office, and retail operations products. | Operational buyer targeting |
| 10 | E-Learning | Workshops, tutorials, and digital classes are core event themes. | Education and course partnerships |
| 11 | Events Services | Event operators, sponsors, and activation partners are relevant. | Activation and sponsorship sales |
| 12 | Textiles | Fabric and fiber materials are central to the event. | Material sourcing and wholesale sales |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Official website does not publish total attendance | Use exhibitor and class counts as proxy indicators only |
| Exhibitor count | 250+ | Confirmed | Official website homepage | Strong indicator of a sizeable supplier ecosystem |
| Class count | 200+ | Confirmed | Official website homepage | Shows education-heavy attendee interest |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | No official buyer figure published | Likely mixed consumer, retail, and trade audience |
| Speaker count | Not publicly confirmed | Unconfirmed | Speaker list mentioned on website, count not published in provided content | Indicative of educational programming |
| Sponsor count | At least 1 presenting sponsor | Confirmed | Synchrony named as presenting sponsor on official site | Sponsor ecosystem may expand through official sponsorship pages |
| Historical attendance | Not provided in source text | Unavailable | No verified historical attendance number included in provided official content | Use only if organizer releases prior-year attendance later |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procurement | Reliable supply, pricing, and assortment depth | Vendor meetings, line reviews, wholesale outreach | Fabric, thread, notions, kits, packaging |
| Education | Technique training, workshops, and demonstration content | Class sponsorships and instructor collaborations | Course materials, teaching kits, digital learning |
| Product innovation | New tools, improved materials, differentiated designs | Launch demos and product trials | Creative tools, machines, accessories, specialty fibers |
| Retail sourcing | Shelf-ready craft products and wholesale terms | Buyer meetings and show specials | SKU bundles, assortments, private label |
| Community and creator marketing | Audience growth and product awareness | Influencer outreach and content capture | Sponsored content, affiliate offers, creator kits |
| Small business enablement | Inventory, packaging, and ecommerce readiness | Lead capture for indie sellers and studios | Starter inventory, POS, packaging, shipping solutions |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | High | Strong concentration of retail, wholesale, educator, and small-business craft buyers. |
| Decision-maker availability | Medium to High | Likely access to buyers, owners, merchandisers, and partnership leaders. |
| Data collection potential | High | Official event pages provide exhibitor, class, speaker, and attendee-facing content for lead mapping. |
| Apollo targeting potential | High | Multiple relevant Apollo industries and job functions map well to the craft retail ecosystem. |
| Geographic targeting potential | Medium | Best targeted via Midwest, national U.S., and specialty North American segments. |
| Best outreach approach | Very High | Use category-based outreach, vendor discovery messaging, and education/event sponsorship offers. |
| Overall lead quality | High | Strong for craft supply vendors, wholesale brands, packaging providers, and education platforms. |
| Best use case | B2B lead generation and retail/wholesale prospecting | Well suited to attendee list building, exhibitor targeting, and partnership development. |
| Limitations / risks | Medium | Consumer-heavy audience may reduce pure enterprise value; current-year attendee list not publicly confirmed. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Retail, Wholesale, Apparel & Fashion, Textiles, Consumer Goods, Import & Export, Media Production, Marketing & Advertising, Design, E-Learning, Events Services | Align with buyer segments, suppliers, and partnership opportunities |
| Departments | Buying, Merchandising, Procurement, Sourcing, Product, Marketing, Partnerships, Education | Reach decision-makers and influencers |
| Seniority | Owner, Founder, Manager, Director, VP | Capture buyers with purchasing authority or strong influence |
| Job titles | Buyer, Category Manager, Merchandising Director, Sourcing Manager, Product Manager, Wholesale Manager, Retail Buyer, Partnerships Director, Marketing Director, Content Director, Founder | Focus on titles most likely to buy or influence purchases |
| Geography | United States; Midwest; Illinois; Chicago metro; optional Canada for selected wholesale targets | Match event reach and drive-in market dynamics |
| Employee size | 1–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–1,000, 1,001–5,000 | Captures indie sellers, specialty retailers, and larger chains |
| Keywords | craft, sewing, quilting, fabric, yarn, thread, notions, embroidery, needlework, DIY, maker, hobby, wholesale, retail, textile | Refine search to event-relevant buyers and suppliers |
| Company type | Private, public, retail chain, wholesaler, distributor, brand owner, small business | Match the mixed buyer landscape |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: (craft OR sewing OR quilting OR fabric OR yarn OR embroidery OR needlework OR “maker”) AND (buyer OR category manager OR merchandis* OR sourcing OR wholesale OR product manager OR partnerships OR founder) AND location:(United States OR Illinois OR Chicago metro)
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival official website | Official organizer website | Event name, 2027 dates, venue, city, country, sponsorship, exhibitor messaging, class and exhibitor counts | High |
| Donald E. Stephens Convention Center | Venue website | Venue identification and location consistency for Rosemont, IL | High |
| Official attending/show information pages | Official event pages | Public-facing audience intent, visitor tools, and event positioning | High |
| Official exhibitor pages | Official event pages | Exhibitor-facing positioning, market reach, and supplier emphasis | High |
| Official news / press releases | Official event content | Event launch and strategic positioning within the craft industry | High |
🎯 Selling to this event's audience? Get a free tailored buyer list
Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
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