CHSI Stitches review

Posted by Rachel Westall on 27 March 2025

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, CHSI Stitches attracted the industry to explore innovative products from top brands and listen to prominent speakers. Returning to the NEC for its milestone event, the show welcomed leading creative craft brands alongside emerging designer makers. The exhibition floor showcased an impressive variety of craft products, ranging from traditional favourites to cutting-edge materials, with numerous new retailers exhibiting for the first time.

woman looking at crafts at trade show Trade buyers and industry influencers gathered to explore the latest market offerings, identify key trends, and forge new business connections. Over the two-day event, business meetings facilitated orders for the upcoming season.

To strengthen its position as the UK's only dedicated trade event for the craft industry, a captivating lineup of speakers was organised for the free conference programme. Esteemed experts from both the craft sector and beyond took the stage to share valuable insights, empowering professionals and business owners. Topics spanned a broad array, including retail, e-commerce, licensing, and digital marketing.

speaker talking to audience As always, the sessions on digital marketing, social media, and AI were particularly popular, often reaching full capacity. Speakers from TikTok inspired business owners to establish their own TikTok shops and engage with audiences live on the rapidly expanding platform.

Attendees had the chance to witness exciting new product demonstrations, showcasing innovative materials, tools, and techniques that promise to elevate crafting to new heights. Notable figures, such as sewing influencer Holly Dennett, provided insights on creating compelling social media content, while Dannells presented an engaging workshop experience with their Lampshade Making Workshop Pack to help craft or retail businesses gain visibility.

guest speakers on stage at trade show Steve Mitchell, Event Director, stated: "The enthusiasm for this year's show underscores the importance of face to face interactions in creative craft. Understanding how products feel is essential for retailers and customers alike, and the show enables visitors to truly grasp the products they are ordering. This year, we significantly enhanced our speaker programme, welcoming industry leaders from various marketing and retail backgrounds."

From kits and yarn to embroidery and sewing machines, CHSI Stitches served as the ultimate platform for discovering the latest craft trends, launching new products and connecting with industry leaders.

Visit: www.chsi.co.uk

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