Originally launched in February 2020, The Stitch Festival was created to offer something a little different for the modern maker. Every year since, it has served a creative community comprised of those interested in crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, embroidery, and other contemporary crafts. It has truly become a destination… an immersive experience where your Instagram feed comes to life.
From contemporary dressmaking to intricate embroidery, the show caters to every sewing enthusiast’s dream. Imagine strolling through aisles filled with independent brands and small businesses, discovering the latest fabric designs, patterns, kits, and tools that ignite your creative spark.
Stitch Festival 2025 took place in mid-March and was just as glorious as we expected it to be. Our favorite part? The beloved Community Embroidery Event, hosted by Mel and her amazing team from the Stitch-School. Amidst the bustling excitement of the festival, they created a serene oasis where visitors could gather around a three-meter linen cloth stretched across the Stitch-School embroidery table. The collaborate canvas beckoned attendees to leave their mark, stitching a piece of themselves into its intricate tapestry.
Under the gentle guidance of Stitch-School tutors, participants were invited to delve into the rich history and origins of embroidery stitches. It’s not just about the act of stitching; it’s a journey through time and tradition, a chance to connect with centuries of craftsmanship. Participants were given a range of both Aurifil’s 6-strand divisible floss AND Aurifil’s new 8wt/2ply thread for this practice. Renowned for their unparalleled quality and vibrant hues, these threads helped to elevate each stitch, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
We had an absolute blast at the show and were delighted that our very own International Sales Director, Alexander Winton, was able to stitch his own designs into the cloth. We’re incredibly grateful to be involved and couldn’t help but shine a light on the wonderful work that Stitch-School does. We appreciate their shared knowledge, attention to detail, patience, and most of all, the inspiration they provide for learning something new in a way that promotes the strengthening of a community.
Stitch-School was founded in 2017 by the visionary Melanie Bowles, and is more than just a place to learn embroidery—it’s a sanctuary for creativity, a haven where enthusiasts can rediscover the joy of this craft. Through bespoke embroidery kits, workshops, and community events, Stitch-School breathes new life into an age-old art form, inspiring individuals to embrace their inner artist and unleash their imagination.
Stitch-School is based in the heart of Brixton on Fabric Floor, 3 Space, International House, Brixton, London, SW97QD.