Fiber festivals and events in February 2026: Complete guide

February might be the shortest month, but it's absolutely packed with incredible fiber festivals, yarn crawls, and crafting retreats around the world. Whether you're dreaming of escaping winter on a knitting cruise or diving deep into wool traditions at historic venues, February 2026 offers something magical for every fiber enthusiast.

As a beginner, attending your first fiber festival can feel overwhelming – but it's also one of the most inspiring experiences you'll have as a crafter. You'll discover new techniques, meet fellow yarn lovers, and find unique skeins you won't see anywhere else.

Key takeaways

• February 2026 features 30+ fiber festivals and events across six continents
• Events range from intimate weekend retreats to massive international festivals
• Many festivals offer beginner-friendly workshops and classes
• Planning ahead is crucial – popular events sell out months in advance
• Multi-festival trips can maximize your experience and travel budget
• Virtual events make it possible to participate from anywhere

Early February festivals (February 1-10)

The month kicks off with some truly spectacular events, including a once-in-a-lifetime knitting cruise and several cozy winter retreats perfect for beginners.

New Zealand and Australia knitting cruise (February 1-15)

Imagine knitting while watching dolphins play in crystal-clear waters or learning new techniques as you sail past stunning coastlines. This two-week luxury cruise combines the best of travel and crafting.

The cruise features daily workshops led by renowned instructors, covering everything from basic knitting techniques to advanced colorwork. Evening social hours give you time to connect with fellow crafters from around the world.

Website: Craft Cruises

FIBRuary yarn crawl Indiana (February 1-16)

This extended yarn crawl spans the entire first half of February, giving you plenty of time to explore Indiana's best yarn shops. Each participating store offers exclusive patterns, special discounts, and limited-edition colorways.

The crawl includes over 20 shops across the state, from cozy hometown stores to large specialty retailers. It's perfect for beginners who want to explore different yarn types and get personalized advice from shop owners.

Website: FIBRuary Indiana

Blaise wool festival Bradford, UK (February 2)

This one-day festival celebrates Bradford's rich textile heritage with demonstrations of traditional wool processing techniques. You'll see everything from sheep shearing to the final spun yarn.

Local artisans demonstrate carding, spinning, and dyeing techniques that have been used for centuries. It's an educational experience that helps beginners understand where their yarn comes from.

Website: bradfordmuseums.org

Winter in the Rockies retreat Canmore, Canada with Grocery Girls (February 5-8)

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, this intimate retreat combines stunning mountain views with expert instruction from the popular Grocery Girls podcast hosts. The cozy lodge setting creates the perfect atmosphere for learning new skills.

Daily workshops cover colorwork techniques, with plenty of time for individual attention. Evening activities include fireside knitting circles and group discussions about fiber arts history.

Website: grocerygirls.com/retreat

Yellow Rose on the Coast Texas (February 6-7)

This coastal Texas festival brings together vendors from across the Southwest, offering unique regional fibers and techniques. The beachside location adds a relaxed vibe that's perfect for beginners.

Workshops focus on practical skills like reading patterns and choosing appropriate yarns for different projects. The vendor marketplace features local ranchers selling wool from their own sheep and alpacas.

Website: yellowrosefiber.com

Dutch knitting days Breda, Netherlands (February 6-7)

The Netherlands' premier knitting event showcases European designers and techniques. This festival is known for its innovative workshops and cutting-edge design exhibitions.

English translation is available for most workshops, making it accessible to international visitors. The festival emphasizes sustainable and ethical fiber production.

Website: dutchknittingdays.nl

Vermont knit and fiber winter retreat (February 6-8)

This cozy New England retreat takes place at a historic inn surrounded by snow-covered mountains. The intimate setting allows for personalized instruction and lasting friendships.

Morning workshops cover fundamental techniques, while afternoons are free for exploring the charming village or continuing your projects by the fireplace. Meals feature local Vermont specialties.

Website: vermontfiberretreat.com

Wooly weekend Nashville, Indiana (February 6-8)

Don't confuse this with Nashville, Tennessee — this festival takes place in the quaint artist community of Nashville, Indiana. The town's galleries and studios provide the perfect backdrop for a fiber arts celebration.

Local artisans open their studios for tours, giving beginners insight into professional fiber arts practices. The festival includes hands-on workshops in spinning, dyeing, and weaving.

Website: paigeshipleydesigns.com

Knitting history forum conference online (February 7)

This virtual conference brings together historians, curators, and researchers to explore the rich history of knitting and fiber arts. It's perfect for beginners who want to understand the cultural significance of their craft.

Presentations cover topics from ancient knitting techniques to the role of knitting in wartime. Interactive sessions allow participants to ask questions and share their own historical finds.

Website: knittinghistory.org

Tina Turner knits fiber fest Rochester, New York (February 7)

This uniquely themed festival combines music and fiber arts, celebrating both the legendary singer and the power of creative expression. The energetic atmosphere makes it especially welcoming for newcomers.

Workshops incorporate music-themed projects and techniques. The festival raises funds for music education programs, adding a philanthropic element to the crafting celebration.

Website: www.tinaturnerknits.com/fiber-arts-festival

Sauder Village winter fiber retreat Ohio (February 7-9)

This living history museum provides an authentic setting for learning traditional fiber arts. Costumed interpreters demonstrate 19th-century techniques using period-appropriate tools and methods.

Modern workshops teach contemporary applications of historical techniques. The village setting helps beginners appreciate the evolution of fiber arts over time.

Website: www.saudervillage.org/fiber

Wool school Bristol, UK (February 7-10)

This extended workshop series takes place in Bristol's historic textile district. The four-day format allows for in-depth exploration of specific techniques.

Classes range from absolute beginner level to advanced techniques. The school's library contains rare books and patterns dating back centuries, providing inspiration for modern projects.

Website: bristolwoolschool.co.uk

New England farm and fiber festival Boston (February 8)

This urban festival brings rural fiber traditions to the city, featuring vendors from family farms across New England. It's an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn about different breeds of sheep and their unique wool characteristics.

Live animal demonstrations help visitors understand the connection between farm and finished product. Local Boston yarn shops often participate with special displays and workshops.

Website: newenglandfarmfiber.com

Wild and wooly fiber expo Ohio (February 8)

This one-day expo packs a lot of excitement into a single day, with rapid-fire workshops and a bustling vendor marketplace. The fast-paced format is perfect for beginners who want to sample many different techniques.

Mini-workshops last just 30-45 minutes each, allowing participants to try multiple activities. The expo features a special section for beginning knitters and crocheters.

Website: wildwoolyexpo.com

Wayland winter farmers market Massachusetts (February 8)

This weekly farmers market features a special fiber arts section during winter months. Local farms bring alpaca and sheep products, while artisans demonstrate spinning and knitting techniques.

The informal setting makes it easy for beginners to ask questions and get hands-on experience. Fresh local produce adds to the authentic farm-to-fiber experience.

Website: waylandmarket.com

Mid-February highlights (February 11-20)

The middle of February brings some of the month's most prestigious events, including international festivals that draw visitors from around the world.

Fiber week North House folk school Minnesota (February 10-16)

This week-long intensive program offers complete immersion in fiber arts. Located on Lake Superior's shore, the school provides a peaceful environment for focused learning.

Daily classes cover different aspects of fiber arts, from sheep to shawl. Evening programs include storytelling and traditional music that complement the crafting experience. If you're planning to stay longer, check out the best yarn stores in Minneapolis for additional supplies.

Website: www.northhouse.org/fiber

Rocky Mountain men's knitting retreat Colorado (February 11-15)

This groundbreaking retreat specifically welcomes male knitters and fiber enthusiasts. The mountain setting provides a rugged backdrop for learning traditional and contemporary techniques.

Workshops focus on practical projects like socks, hats, and sweaters. The retreat addresses the unique challenges men face in the fiber arts community and celebrates their contributions to the craft.

Website: mensknittingretreat.com

Common threads music and craft Maryland (February 12-16)

This innovative festival combines folk music with traditional crafts, creating a rich cultural experience. Musicians and craftspeople share the stage, demonstrating the connections between different art forms.

Workshops teach both musical and fiber arts skills, often combining them in creative ways. The festival celebrates Appalachian traditions while encouraging contemporary interpretations.

Website: commonthreadsmd.org

Red Alder fiber arts Tacoma, Washington (February 12-15)

Located in the Pacific Northwest, this festival showcases the region's rich fiber traditions. Local sheep and alpaca farms participate, bringing their animals and fresh fleeces.

Workshops emphasize natural dyeing using plants native to the region. The festival's environmental focus appeals to beginners interested in sustainable crafting practices.

Website: redalderfiberarts.com

Love yarn Madrid festival Spain (February 13-15)

Valentine's weekend gets a crafty twist at this romantic festival in Spain's capital. The timing makes it perfect for creating handmade gifts or treating yourself to beautiful yarns.

Spanish and Portuguese vendors showcase unique regional fibers and techniques. Translation services help international visitors fully participate in workshops and demonstrations.

Website: loveyarnmadrid.es

Unravel festival Farnham, UK (February 13-15)

One of the UK's largest knitting and crochet festivals, Unravel brings together hundreds of vendors and thousands of attendees. The massive scale means incredible variety for beginners to explore.

The festival features a dedicated learning area with continuous workshops for beginners. Celebrity designers lead special sessions, sharing techniques and inspiration from their latest collections.

Website: unravelfestival.com

Late February adventures (February 21-28)

As February winds down, several fantastic festivals provide perfect opportunities to plan your spring crafting projects and connect with the fiber community.

Fiber fun in the Sip Vicksburg, Mississippi (February 19-21)

This Southern festival combines fiber arts with regional hospitality and cuisine. The historic river town setting adds charm to the weekend's activities.

Local artisans demonstrate traditional Southern textile techniques, including cotton processing and indigo dyeing. The festival's relaxed pace makes it ideal for beginners who want personalized attention.

Website: www.fiberfuninthesip.com

Kernow YAFF Cornwall, UK (February 22)

The Cornwall Yarn and Fiber Festival (YAFF) celebrates the region's maritime heritage with nautical-themed workshops and sea-inspired colorways. The coastal location provides stunning scenery for this one-day event.

Local sheep breeds unique to Cornwall are featured, along with traditional fishing-related knitting techniques. The festival includes a special section on caring for hand-dyed yarns in humid coastal climates.

Website: kernowyaff.com

Scenic stitches fiber fest Chattanooga, Tennessee (February 28-March 1)

Straddling the end of February and beginning of March, this festival takes advantage of Chattanooga's beautiful mountain setting. The timing is perfect for planning spring and summer projects.

Workshops focus on lightweight yarns and warm-weather techniques. The festival's location near several excellent yarn stores in nearby Atlanta makes it easy to extend your fiber arts adventure.

Website: www.scenicstitches.com

International spotlight events

February 2026 features several remarkable international events that showcase global fiber traditions and contemporary innovations.

Osaka fiber arts exhibition Japan (February 14-16)

This Japanese exhibition combines traditional techniques like sashiko and contemporary fiber art. The three-day event includes hands-on workshops and museum-quality displays.

English-speaking guides help international visitors understand the cultural significance of different techniques. The exhibition features rare historical textiles alongside cutting-edge contemporary work.

Website: osakafiberarts.jp

Patagonian wool festival Argentina (February 20-22)

This remote festival celebrates the hardy sheep breeds that thrive in Patagonia's challenging climate. The wool produced in this region has unique characteristics that appeal to adventurous knitters.

Workshops teach traditional gaucho techniques alongside modern applications. The festival includes horseback rides to nearby ranches where visitors can see the sheep in their natural habitat.

Website: patagoniawool.com.ar

Nordic fiber traditions Stockholm, Sweden (February 25-27)

This Scandinavian festival focuses on the rich knitting traditions of Northern Europe. Colorwork techniques and traditional patterns take center stage.

Workshops teach authentic Nordic techniques using traditional color palettes and patterns. The festival includes a museum component showcasing historical Swedish textiles.

Website: nordicfiber.se

Planning your fiber festival adventure

With so many amazing events happening in February 2026, strategic planning can help you make the most of your festival experience.

Multi-festival trip strategies

Consider combining festivals in the same region to maximize your travel investment. For example, you could attend the Vermont retreat (February 6-8) and then drive to the New England Farm and Fiber Festival in Boston (February 8).

European festivals cluster nicely too – the Dutch Knitting Days in Breda (February 6-7) and Wool School in Bristol (February 7-10) could be combined with the Unravel Festival in Farnham (February 13-15) for an epic European fiber tour.

What to pack for fiber festivals

Your festival packing list should include both practical and crafting supplies:

• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring vendor areas
• A large tote bag or wheeled cart for purchases
• Current project with extra needles and notions
• Notebook for jotting down techniques and vendor information
• Phone charger and portable battery pack
• Snacks and water bottle
• Cash for small vendors who might not accept cards

For retreats and multi-day events, pack layers since workshop rooms can vary in temperature. Bring your own scissors and measuring tape, as these are essential tools you'll use frequently.

Making the most of workshops

As a beginner, choose workshops that match your current skill level rather than trying to jump ahead too quickly. Most festivals offer skill level indicators, so pay attention to these when registering.

Don't be afraid to ask questions during workshops. Instructors expect questions and other participants are usually happy to help. Take photos of techniques (when permitted) to reference later at home.

Budgeting for festivals

Festival costs include admission, workshops, accommodation, travel, and of course, yarn purchases. Set a realistic budget beforehand and consider bringing cash in small bills for easier vendor transactions.

Many festivals offer early bird discounts, so register as soon as possible. Some events sell out entirely, especially smaller retreats and specialized workshops.

Virtual and hybrid options

Not everyone can travel to festivals, but that doesn't mean missing out entirely. Several February 2026 events offer virtual components or are entirely online.

Benefits of virtual attendance

Virtual festivals eliminate travel costs and time constraints while still providing access to expert instruction and community connection. You can participate from anywhere with internet access.

Many virtual events record sessions, allowing you to review techniques later or catch sessions you missed. This is particularly valuable for complex techniques like gauge swatching that benefit from repeated viewing.

Hybrid festival experiences

Some festivals offer hybrid options where you can attend certain sessions virtually while others require in-person participation. This flexibility helps accommodate different comfort levels and travel restrictions.

The Knitting History Forum Conference (February 7) exemplifies this approach, offering both live and recorded sessions that participants can access for months after the event.

Building your festival community

One of the greatest benefits of attending fiber festivals is connecting with like-minded crafters who share your passion.

Social media connections

Most festivals have official hashtags and social media groups where participants share photos, ask questions, and coordinate meetups. Join these communities before the event to start building connections.

Follow festival organizers and featured instructors on social media to stay updated on schedule changes and special announcements. Many instructors share additional tips and resources through their social media channels.

Local guild connections

Festivals often feature local knitting and crochet guilds with information booths. These groups provide ongoing community connection long after the festival ends.

If you're traveling to a festival, research local yarn shops in the area. Many shops coordinate with festivals to offer special events or extended hours. Understanding yarn store etiquette will help you make a great impression when visiting new shops.

Seasonal considerations for February festivals

February weather varies dramatically depending on location, so plan accordingly for your chosen festivals.

Northern hemisphere winter festivals

Most February festivals in North America and Europe take place during winter weather. Indoor venues provide warmth, but you'll need appropriate clothing for traveling between buildings.

Winter festivals often emphasize cozy projects like sweaters, scarves, and blankets. This seasonal focus makes them perfect for learning about wool and other warm fibers and their properties.

Southern hemisphere summer festivals

The New Zealand and Australia knitting cruise takes advantage of Southern Hemisphere summer, offering perfect weather for outdoor knitting and sightseeing.

Summer festivals in the Southern Hemisphere often feature lighter-weight yarns and warm-weather techniques. This seasonal difference provides unique learning opportunities not available at winter festivals.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I register for fiber festivals?

Popular festivals and retreats often sell out 3-6 months in advance, especially smaller, intimate events. Register as early as possible, particularly for specialized workshops or events with limited capacity. Many festivals offer early bird pricing that can save you significant money.

What's the difference between a fiber festival and a yarn crawl?

Fiber festivals are typically centralized events with vendors, workshops, and activities in one location or venue. Yarn crawls involve visiting multiple independent yarn shops over several days or weeks, often with special promotions and exclusive products at each stop. Both offer great opportunities to discover new yarns and techniques.

Are fiber festivals suitable for complete beginners?

Absolutely! Most festivals welcome crafters of all skill levels and offer beginner-friendly workshops and demonstrations. Festival atmospheres are generally very supportive, with experienced crafters happy to share knowledge and encouragement. Many festivals specifically designate beginner areas or classes to help newcomers feel comfortable.

How much should I budget for yarn purchases at festivals?

Yarn budgets vary widely depending on personal preferences and festival size. Plan for $100-500 for a weekend festival, though you could easily spend more at large events with many vendors. Set a realistic budget beforehand and consider bringing cash for easier transactions. Remember to factor in shipping costs if you're flying home with purchases.