Knit + Stitch is returning to Northern Ireland this autumn, bringing four days of textile shopping, workshops, exhibitions and demonstrations to the Eikon Exhibition Centre outside Lisburn from 12 to 15 November 2026.
The event, described by organisers as the UK’s largest craft show, is now in its second year at the Eikon venue. Tickets are on sale, with the programme aimed at everyone from people taking up sewing or knitting for the first time to experienced textile makers.
More than 100 brands and 150 workshops
Visitors will be able to browse more than 100 textile craft brands and attend a programme of over 150 hands-on workshops delivered in partnership with Janome. Supplies on offer will include yarn, fabric, thread, sewing machines, patterns, embroidery materials and cross-stitch kits.
Several exhibitors returning from England are named among the attractions, including Brian’s Best Wools, The Black Sheep, Italian Buttons, Jewellness Craft and Roy’s Material World.
The workshop programme will be led by textile crafters from across the UK and is designed for makers at different levels. The event will also feature the Knit Lounge, hosted again by Inspiring Yarns, where visitors can explore products and learn basic techniques from experts.
Textile galleries, catwalks and competitions
Included in the ticket price are curated Textile Art Galleries featuring work by artists from the UK and Ireland. Exhibitions listed for this year include Amanda Vencatasamy, Derry Factory Girls Quilts, Wild Art Textiles: Riptides, the Belfast School of Art Graduate Showcase and the EQA Challenge: The Fantastic World of Insects.
The EQA Challenge is described as an eye-catching quilt competition hosted by the Irish Patchwork Society. Elsewhere at the show, the Prima Live Stage will host talks, demonstrations and catwalk shows featuring sewing personalities and knitting experts.
Makers can also enter the Made by Me Dressmaking Competition. Shortlisted garments will be displayed and featured on the Knit + Stitch catwalk.
Facilities at the Eikon Exhibition Centre
Organisers say the venue will offer improved facilities, including free on-site parking, a free shuttle bus from Lisburn train station and modern catering facilities with a variety of options and ample seating. The Eikon Exhibition Centre is also described as having easy access from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Fatima Naqvi, Knit + Stitch event manager, said last year’s show had exceeded expectations and that organisers wanted the 2026 event to be bigger.
“The show was a fantastic success, and the warmth and enthusiasm we saw from visitors and exhibitors alike showed us that we had to bring Knit + Stitch back to Northern Ireland this year. “Whether you're an expert maker or just starting out, we can't wait to welcome everyone back to the Eikon Exhibition Centre in November.”
Tickets and further information are available through the Knit + Stitch Northern Ireland 2026 website at knitandstitchshow.co.uk/northernireland/.
