After the success of the inaugural World Stitch Day in 2025, we’re back for 2026!
World Stitch Day returns to the historic Oakwell Hall in Birstall on Sunday 7 June, 11am – 4pm, bringing together textile lovers, families and community groups for a vibrant celebration of stitching traditions from around the world. Free and open to all event, it also marks the one year countdown to the WOVEN 2027 festival.
Visitors will be welcomed with a exhibition of traditional outfits representing cultures from across the globe. Each garment has been generously loaned by local residents, highlighting the rich diversity woven through communities across Kirklees.
Alongside the exhibition, the day offers hands on workshops for all ages and skill levels. Including patch-making for the Calico Dress community embroidery project, the Japanese art of sashiko, a form of decorative visible mending, plus an an Every Child Challenge stitch session.
A dedicated textiles stitch marketplace will showcase demonstrations from skilled textile artists, with techniques and traditions ranging from contemporary craft to heritage hand work methods. It’s a unique opportunity to meet makers, discover new skills and enjoy the creativity that defines the WOVEN programme.
World Stitch Day promises to be a joyful celebration of global textile heritage, community creativity and the stories we share through stitch, and also looks forward to WOVEN 2027, which will explore the theme of POWER – celebrating energy, creativity and protest, from the district’s industrial textile heritage to modern craft and creative expression.
Would you like to take part in World Stitch Day? We are looking for:
– Stallholders – find out more and apply here
– Volunteers – find out more and apply here
