Europe’s quilting guilds: a directory

Updated 9th June 2026

A plain signpost, nothing more: where to find the national patchwork and quilting communities of Europe, so that makers can connect with the people stitching nearest to them.

This directory brings Europe’s national quilting communities together in one place, grouped by region so you can find the people stitching nearest to you. Every entry links straight to the organisation’s own website — the place to go for anything official, from membership to the next exhibition.

For the record

Quilt Europe Journal is an independent publication. This directory is an editorial reference only — we are not affiliated with, and do not represent, coordinate or speak for, any of the organisations below. For membership and official information, always refer to each guild directly.

Each of these organisations runs its own membership, magazine, exhibitions and regional groups. If you are new to the craft and want to meet other makers, joining your national guild is usually the most direct way in. Visit each organisation’s own site for current details — links open the official websites.

The directory

Western Europe

Southern Europe

Nordic & Iceland

Central Europe

Why it is worth it

What joining a guild gives you

Quilting can be a solitary craft, but it has never been a lonely one. National guilds and their regional groups are where techniques pass between generations, where exhibitions are organised, and where a beginner can find a mentor and a maker between projects can find company. Membership usually brings four things in particular.

Regional groups

The heart of most guilds is local: monthly meetings, sit-and-sew sessions and a branch usually within travelling distance, wherever you live.

A magazine

Membership generally brings a regular journal or newsletter — patterns, technique features, member galleries and word of what is on across the country.

Exhibitions & challenges

Guilds organise the shows where members exhibit, and set themed challenges that give the year a shape and a friendly deadline to work towards.

Workshops & mentoring

Skills pass hand to hand: workshops with visiting tutors, and the quieter mentoring that happens when an experienced maker sits beside a beginner.

Quilting can be a solitary craft, but it has never been a lonely one.

Choosing the right one

For most makers the choice is simple — the guild for the country you live in — but a few things are worth knowing before you sign up.

By country
Start with the national body where you live; almost all run regional branches, so there is usually a local group within reach.
By language
Some guilds publish in more than one language and welcome members from neighbouring countries. If the local language is not your first, check the site — many are more international than they look.
Membership
Joining is typically an annual fee paid online, bringing the magazine and access to events. Terms are set by each guild and change, so we list none here — always confirm on the official site.
More than one
There is no rule against belonging to several. Makers near a border, or with a particular interest a foreign guild serves well, often hold two memberships quite happily.
How we keep this list

The directory is maintained by hand. We add a guild only after checking its site is live and current, and we link to the canonical address rather than a redirect. The absence of an organisation means only that we have not yet added it — never a judgement on it.

If you are not yet ready to join anything, that is fine too — the craft welcomes the unaffiliated. Start with a first block, visit one of the shows when you can, and connect when it suits you.

Common questions

Is Quilt Europe Journal a quilting association?
No. We are an independent editorial publication. This directory is a reader service — a neutral signpost to national quilting communities — and nothing more. We do not represent, coordinate, speak for or hold any official role in relation to the organisations listed.
How do I join a quilting guild?
Each national guild sets its own membership terms. The usual route is to visit the organisation’s own website (linked below) and follow its joining process directly. Membership typically brings a magazine or newsletter, access to regional groups and exhibitions, and a community of local makers.
Do I have to live in a country to join its guild?
Not usually. Most national guilds accept overseas members, who receive the magazine and can attend events even if they cannot make every local meeting. If you live near a border, joining the guild next door — or belonging to more than one — is perfectly common. Each organisation sets its own terms, so check the site before you assume.
My country or guild is missing — can you add it?
Quite possibly. This list is maintained by hand and is not exhaustive. We add communities as we verify them; the omission of any organisation implies nothing about it.
Find your people

Not sure where to start?

Make a block, see a show, then find the guild nearest you — the craft is far better in company, and the door is always open.

Make a block first Find a show to visit