Bookings Now Open!
Tickets for workshops, functions, accommodation and special events are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here to go to the ticket website.
Open each question to see the drop-down answer!
The Festival is scheduled from 5 October to 9 October 2022.
• Workshops are offered every day from 09:30 - 17:30, Wednesday to Sunday. Have a look at the workshops for more information.
• The Vendors’ Mall will be open on Tuesday from 14:00 – 17:30 for pre-registered participants and the daily from 09:00 – 18:00 Wednesday to Sunday.
• The main quilt exhibition is open from 09:00 – 18:00 Wednesday to Sunday.
Registration for all Festival events opens on 11 June. Day Visitors may purchase tickets online from 1 September or at the Registration Desk daily from 09:00 to 17:30 from Wednesday 5 October to Saturday 8 October and 09:00 to 13:00 Sunday 9 October.
Compulsory Registration and Day Visitor tickets remain open till 9 October. Workshop registration remains open tickets are sold out or up to 1 hour before the workshop commences. Quilt entries are open from 23 May to 24 July. Function and Special Event excursion bookings close on 21 September.
Tickets are sold through our ticketing partner, Tixsa on our website. You can register online here. You may contact the Registrar on ghqg.secretary@gmail.com for queries and assistance.
Yes. Some Teachers will present the workshops primarily in Afrikaans but will provide explanations in English when required. Some of the workshop manuals are in both Afrikaans and English, and others only in English. See the individual workshop descriptions for details.
• A R200 once-off compulsory Festival Participant Registration fee is payable when registering to attend, present or participate in any of the Festival activities and events and is payable by everyone. It includes a name tag and lanyard, goody bag. Daily admission to the main exhibition and vendors’ mall, the hospitality stations and the food court at Rhenish Girls’ High School is also included. Access to the Meet the Teacher Demo on Tuesday 4 October is free to pre-registered participants only. The registration fee excludes any paid workshops, functions, accommodation or any other activities. The fee is not required if you are purchasing Day Visitor or bus tickets only.
• Day Visitor tickets are R80 per person. Accompanied school-going children will be admitted free of charge. These tickets include access to a single day entry to the main quilt exhibition, Vendors’ Mall and food court at Rhenish Girls’ High School. Day ticket holders will not qualify for goody bags. Should you wish to visit the Festival on 3 or more days as a day visitor, you may pay the registration fee instead of the daily fee.
• Admin charges will automatically be added to tickets at checkout.
You can buy tickets online by clicking here. Ticket sales for workshops end just before the workshop. Function events close on 21 September. Make sure to check the instructions and Terms & Conditions before checking out. Class tickets will only be sold online, and this year, you’ll be able to purchase tickets for yourself and a friend!Be patient with the system – in most cases, one click is all you need to get to the next step. Your time is limited, so make sure to complete the payment section within 30 minutes. Tixsa video
Yes! You can add additional workshops to your schedule by adding them to your ticket basket on the ticket sales page.
The ticket purchasing session will logout in 29 mins. If your session has ended, you will have to start your ticket purchases from the beginning. Prepare for your purchases by completing the Festival Booking Checklist and having your credit card on hand before you start.
The ticket purchasing session will end after 30 minutes if the payment was not processed and your tickets will be cancelled. If your session has ended, you will have to restart the process (use the checklist to make it easier). Tickets are not reserved. If you experience further problems, please contact Tixsa at 012 880 2635 or support@tixsa.co.za. Their hours are Weekdays 09:00 – 17:00, Saturdays 10:00 – 14:00 and Sundays/Public Holidays 10:00 – 13:00. If your query is outside these hours, they will respond the following day. They will load the tickets you require and provide you with a reference and bank details for an EFT.
Yes! You can purchase Festival Participant Registration, workshops, accommodation and events tickets for a friend through your registration. Select the required number of tickets. You will be asked to add the name of your friend as it will appear on the name badge and ticket.
After registration you will get mails (we won’t spam you).
1.An email from Tixsa with a summary of your tickets. You will be asked to create an account to access and download the tickets.
2.An email from us confirming your registration and providing further information.
3.An email with further preparation or cutting instructions for certain workshops.Remember to check your "Promotions" tab and Junk/Spam folder. Please add us to your favourites. If you still can’t find your mail, please contact ghqg.secretary@gmail.com at and let us know.
Tickets will only be sent via email. Depending on the option you selected on purchasing your tickets, you will get different types of tickets. All of them can be downloaded form your Tixsa account onto your cell as an e-ticket or be printed. You may opt to keep your tickets on your cell phone instead of printing them. When you enter an exhibition or classroom, please show your e-ticket, where we will scan it.
All information for workshops are available on the website under the Workshops where you can view or download the particular workshop’s description and requirements. For workshops with specific additional preparation information, you will receive an email with a link to the further information.
We will print your name badge for you. When you arrive at the Festival, proceed to the registration desk where all pre-registered participants will receive their lanyards with their name badges and goody bags.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing to ghqg.secretary@gmail.com. Cancellations on or before 27 September will be refunded minus a 10% admin fee. On or after 28 September, cancellations will not be refunded unless the organisers cancel the activity. Should you be unable to attend for any reason and wish to transfer your ticket to someone else, please notify the Registrar at ghqg.secretary@gmail.com to make arrangements.
We will send you an email with any updates or changes. When purchasing your ticket, please select the check box at checkout to give us permission in terms of the POPI Act to correspond with you.
Your information is kept private by both the Festival Management and Tixsa as part of our contract. It is used only for the Festival to control ticket sales and access and to communicate with you as necessary. It will not be given or sold to anyone outside of these two organisations.
The South African Quilt Festival 2022 brochure is online and can be downloaded at this link. You can also search for workshops by Teacher, date, skill level or workshop type on the website under Workshops.
Teachers have compiled kits to make your workshop preparation easier and to make sure that you have the correct or hard-to find items specified. Compulsory kits are included in the workshop price when you purchase your ticket. Optional workshops allow you to decide whether you want the convenience of a kit, or want to shop from your stash. If you elect not to purchase the optional kit, please add the kit contents to your student requirement list for the class. Two workshops have different colour way options which must be selected when purchasing the kit. Kits will be handed to participants at the start of the workshops. If you have a question about a specific workshop or kit, contact ghqg.sectretary@gmail.com.We suggest you book workshops requiring kits as soon as possible to allow the Teacher sufficient time to assemble the kits.
Each workshop’s Student Requirements list is downloadable and contains everything that you will need for a particular workshop in addition to the Basic Sewing Supplies list. If it is a machine sewing workshop, you may hire a sewing machine for the workshop when purchasing your ticket. BERNINA, Brother, Husqvarna, Pfaff, and Singer sewing machines will be available but we cannot guarantee a particular make or model of machine.The workshop type will indicate whether the workshop requires a sewing machine. Please service your sewing machine before the Festival and have new needles available. Bring your machine’s manual, especially if you are not familiar with the various functions needed for a workshop.
To find the Student Requirements list for a specific South African Quilt Festival 2022 workshop, go to Festival2022, click on the workshop you will be attending, select either the “Printable Page” or “Downloadable PDF” option. Save and print the document for future reference.
What are Basic Sewing Supplies or BSS?Basic Sewing Supplies are general items used in workshops. Where workshops require Basic Sewing Supplies, access the downloadable list here. Please mark all your items when packing them.
•BERNINA, Brother, Husqvarna, Pfaff, and Singer sewing machines are available for hire for machine sewing classes. Unfortunately a specific make or model cannot be specified as the demand for machines in particular workshops will determine which make is allocated. The BERNINA workshops will have sewing machines provided by BERNINA.
•Irons and ironing boards are also provided where required. Please do not bring your own iron, even a mini iron or travelling iron, as these may cause power failures.
Yes, we have limited workshop sizes. The classroom size determines the number of students in accordance with the COVID protocols in place at the time. Teachers have also specified a maximum number of participants to ensure that they can actively engage with each participant and participants with each other. If you are keen to attend a particular workshop, purchase your tickets as soon as possible.
Yes! If a workshop is sold out and tickets are no longer available on the ticketing site, add yourself to the waitlist! If there are enough people on the waitlist, we may be able to add additional class sessions. You’ll be notified if space becomes available. Please send an email to ghqg.secretary@gmail.com, with the word WAITLIST followed by the workshop number and name in the subject heading.
When a workshop is sold out, you may apply to be placed on the waitlist. If you are accepted off a waitlist for a workshop, you will be contacted by the Registrar as tickets become available. Waitlisted attendees are contacted in the order they have registered.
Should you have specific Workshop questions, please contact the Registrar at ghqg.secretary@gmail.com for assistance. We will forward your query to the Teacher.
Definitely!! The quilt competition and exhibitions are the highlight of the Festival for many. We encourage you to participate in the quilt show, either by entering a quilt into the judged category or into the display category.
The categories of the competition are available here. You can check the categories, descriptions and size specifications.Enter your quilt by 24 July and then submit it by 14 August.
Registration opens on 23 May 2022. Details to enter your quilt are here. Read the requirements, choose the appropriate category(s), complete your entry form and send a photo of your quilt. Payment instructions will be sent to you after you have submitted your form. Now share the news and inspire fellow quilters too. Quilt Competition registrations close on 24 July 2022 at 23:59.
The South African Quilt Festival 2022 is an in-person event. You can enter your quilts online, but must have them delivered to the Quilt Registrar. After the Festival, you can collect your quilt in person on Sunday 9 October between 16:00 and 18:00 at the Festival, or arrange for it to be couriered back to you. Having said that, we would love to have you at the Festival to experience the gorgeous quilts in person and participate in workshops. The buzz at a Festival is unique and not to be missed!
Yes, the entry fee is R150 per quilt to cover the costs of judging and displaying the quilt. Additional handling charges will be charged for couriering quilts on completion of the exhibition where applicable.
No. You can make a single payment for all the quilts you wish to enter. Remember, you may enter a maximum of 4 quilts for Section 1 (Quilt Competition) and 4 for Section 2 (Display).
All submitted quilts go through a jury process. The jury is made up of two SAQG Judges with traditional and art quilt backgrounds. Their duty is to inspect each entry and ensure that all quilts entered comply with the relevant Competition Rules (Section 1/Competition and Section 2/Display Only) and are of an acceptable standard for the SA National Quilt Competition as well as appropriate subject matter.
The quilts are judged by three qualified quilt judges who give you unbiased feedback. It’s a way to get feedback on things you are doing well and what you can improve upon. Generally, judges assess visual impact, design and colour, precision of work, quilting quality, and finishing. It’s a way to grow as a quilter and be taken more seriously. Winning a ribbon is a bonus, whether it is from the judges or from the viewers.
Yes. All quilts must have a cloth label securely sewn to the back of the quilt, placed on the lower left-hand corner (viewed from the back). The label must have the unique quilt entry code, quilt title first, then the quilt-maker’s name(s), address and contact details and date (or year) the quilt was made. All the information, except for the quilt entry code and quilt title, is to be covered by a piece of dark cloth, tacked onto the label. Should the quilter’s name appear in any way or form anywhere else on the quilt, this also needs to be covered.
Yes. The sleeve is to hang the quilt in the exhibition. All quilts must have a 10cm (4 inch) deep sleeve sewn to the top back of the quilt, 2cm short of either side, unless otherwise stated in a specific category (e.g. Miniatures) where specific instructions will apply. Quilts with a width of 150cm or more must have an opening of 5cm in the middle of the sleeve to facilitate the hanging of the quilt. See this tutorial by Susan Brubaker Knapp on making a sleeve http://bluemoonriver.blogspot.com/2007/07/how-to-make-quilt-sleeve.html?m=1.
Yes, you can use a free or purchased pattern. A quilt made from a published or commercial pattern can only be entered in the Wall Quilts - Open category. Quilts made from kits are not allowed.
Remember to give comprehensive design credits in your quilt entry. If the quilt was inspired by a quilt, photo or an art work, even if you altered the design, please provide due attribution.
•It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary copyright releases for work that is covered under copyright laws.
•Proof, as far as possible, such as correspondence, a letter of permission, and or approved confirmation, and an A4 photo or colour photocopy of the design source must be supplied.
•A printed copy of the completed Entry Form, together with the credits, design source, inspiration, photocopies and or permissions etc. must be placed in a clear plastic sleeve pinned to the back of the quilt.
If your quilt is a completely original design, not based on anyone else’s patterns, photographs, or artwork, you do not need to worry about getting anyone’s permission before displaying your quilt. If your quilt is strictly for your own use and enjoyment, and will not be displayed publicly, used commercially, or sold, you also do not have to seek any permissions. If you are using a computer design software (e.g. Electric Quilt or programmable quilting machine) to generate your quilting design, you do not need to be granted permission before displaying your quilt. When purchasing these products, you are granted permission with the purchase.
If your quilt is based on anyone else’s patterns, photographs, or artwork, which is visible and identifiable in your work, even though it might not be exactly the same, you still need to ask their permission. Seeking permission does not have to be intimidating or difficult; a simple email or short letter is all that is needed. Contact information is usually available through the book, magazine, or pattern company, and may even be printed in the book or magazine or on the pattern. Often, designers, photographers, and artists have their own websites with contact information posted. Tell the artist/designer that you have made a quilt from their pattern/artwork, attach a photo, and ask their permission to enter and display it in the show and to publish photographs with proper credit.
A maximum of four (4) entries per person is allowed, i.e. a participating quilter can enter no more than four (4) quilts into the judged quilt category.
•Whether you enter as an individual or as a paid/non-paid participant of a Collaborative / Group / Community category, the rule of a maximum of four (4) entries also applies to these persons.
A maximum of four (4) quilts per person are allowed for the non-judged or display category.
Yes, you can make a joint entry. Any number of people can collaborate to make a quilt. The entry form must contain the names of all collaborators and mention their contribution. It will be considered as one entry. How the prize is shared between the collaborators is up to them.
A Collaborative Quilt is made by 2-4 quilters (including any quilting).
A Group Quilt is made by 5 or more quilters.
If you have participated in a Collaborative or Group Quilt, including as the longarm quilter, it counts as one of your 4 permitted entries into the competition.
•Stationary Sewing Machine includes the use of any sewing machine that allows the quilter to move the fabric rather than the machine and the machine sits on or is mounted on a table. The stitching must predominantly use this method.
•Longarm Quilting Machine includes any machine that allows the quilter to move the machine head rather than the fabric and is mounted on a frame. The stitching must predominantly use this method.
All entrants who use a machine to quilt their entry/s, should indicate on the Entry Form whether it is done using a Stationary Machine or a Longarm Quilting Machine.
All forms of free-motion machine-quilted quilts with no computer assisted elements can be entered in any category, whether long-arm, medium-arm or domestic sewing machines. The BSR is not considered a computer assisted device and can be used.
Quilts using computer-digitized quilting and/or embroidery patterns can only be entered in the Open category. Digitized and/or embroidered whole-cloth quilts must also be entered in the Open category.
Yes it qualifies, but you need to specify the name and details of the paid quilter in the quilt registration form. You may only enter the quilt in the Collaborative Quilt or Group Quilt category.
Yes. Check the size restrictions of the particular category. If a quilt does not meet the minimum or maximum sizes, the quilt will be disqualified. The exhibition space is designed around the specified quilt sizes.
Yes, embellishments can be added. However, heavy embellishments, rigid frames or installations are not allowed. For safety reasons, quilts with electrical components or special lighting are not required.
If so, how does it fit into the size requirement?Yes, your entry can be a panel of 2 (or more) pieces – when hanged, the combination should comply with the size requirements.
Yes. Quilts made in the last three years will be eligible for entry in the Festival 2022.
Will you still award cash prizes for the competition?Yes. We are excited to partner with our wonderful sponsors to offer cash prizes in most but not all categories.
A Master Quilter is only awarded to winners of the First Prize or Best on Show in the Standard Bed Quilt and the three Standard Wall Quilt categories.
Yes. You will be responsible for all postage/shipping/couriering costs or other expenses, including insurance pertaining to your quilt.
Can I personally deliver my quilt to you instead of shipping it?Yes, you may deliver your quilt(s) to the Quilt Registrar. Please follow the same quilt preparation instructions as if you were mailing your quilt(s).
If you’ll be picking up your quilt after the show, you must indicate that on your entry form. Quilts may be collected between 16:00 and 18:00 on Sunday 9 October. Bring a photo ID to the main entrance of the hall where your quilt is displayed with a copy of your entry form. You will go through a checkout procedure requiring an ID and signature for each quilt. Quilts held for pickup, but not claimed will be shipped back to the contestant; an invoice of shipping charges will be sent separately. If someone else is collecting your quilt, indicate this on the entry from, with that person’s name and ID.
At the time of the Festival, South African Quilt Festival 2022 will comply with current Government regulations on distancing, mask wearing, and sanitizing as well as vaccination. We will provide updated information closer to the event so you know what to expect. Currently, everyone is required to be fully vaccinated (bring proof) or have a negative COVID test, not older than 72 hours, and to wear masks.
There may be smaller class sizes to account for current requirements on social distancing, so be sure to register early. Our function venues are also large enough to accommodate more participants, but tickets will be limited to meet requirements.
Photographs taken at South African Quilt Festival 2022 are for your own personal use, and for sharing with your friends and family who could not attend. Please include the name(s) of the maker(s) with any quilt image you post online; take a photo of the quilt tag so you will have this information. Photos of quilts may not be posted to any website where the images can be used to produce T-shirts, mugs, and other products.Please ask a teacher or fellow workshop participant’s permission before taking photos in a workshop.
Cancellations must be submitted in writing to ghqg.secretary@gmail.com.
•Cancellations on or before 27 September will be refunded minus a 10% admin fee.
•On or after 28 September, cancellations will not be refunded unless the organisers cancel the activity.
•If cancelling your entire booking, the R200 Compulsory Festival participant registration is non-refundable.
•Should you be unable to attend for any reason and wish to transfer your ticket to someone else, please notify the Registrar at ghqg.secretary@gmail.com
•If you cannot attend the workshop and did not cancel before the cut-off date, you may transfer your ticket to a friend to participate in your place. Please provide the friend’s details to the Registrar at ghqg.secretary@gmail.com.
•The Festival Committee reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet the minimum number of participants or for any unforeseen circumstances. A full refund will be provided on the workshop fee only if a workshop is cancelled.
•In the case of load shedding or power failure, workshops will continue as scheduled. Teachers will adjust the classes as necessary. No refunds will be provided.
In addition to the quilt competition and display quilt exhibition, we have special exhibitions, including the Sara Dreyer quilt exhibition, the antique quilt exhibition at the Textile Museum, the Fibre Art Exhibition at the Rupert Museum, and the collection of quilts from Slavic countries at Hazendal.
There are 80 workshops presented by 25 teachers, representing a diverse range in style and technique, skill and duration.
We have 3 evening functions: the Funky Vellies Welcome function on Tuesday evening, the Fancy Fynbos Awards evening on Wednesday evening and the Farewell with a Flourish function on the Saturday.
You can also join a special excursion to a Wine and Quilt Pairing at Bellevue Wine Estate, or participate in a combined Russian Tea Ceremony and quilt exhibition or Guided Art walkabout and quilt exhibition at Hazendal.
We have a large vendors’ mall where you can replenish your stash, get gadgets and notions and get inspiration.
You will find so much to do at the Festival. Stellenbosch and the surrounding winelands also has plenty to offer.
•We offer hostel accommodation in shared rooms for 2, 3 or 4 people from Tuesday 4 October until Sunday 9 October. It is a great way to get to know other quilters or share with friends. Quilters booked into the hostel are booked in on a Bed, Breakfast and Bag Lunch basis. Evening meals are excluded.
•Private accommodation is available in the town itself. Check on the various accommodation booking websites.
Spar Stellenbosch is providing a cafeteria service with light lunches and snacks. The cafeteria is located in the Courtyard adjacent to the main Vendor Mall. It will be open daily from Wednesday to Sunday. The cafeteria does not provide evening meals.
Free coffee and tea stations will be available for registered participants in communal areas between classrooms. Please remember to bring your mug (or purchase a souvenir mug at the Information Desk).
Several restaurants and take-aways are within easy walking distance of the school should you wish to purchase your meals.
The quilt competition and display quilt exhibition and the Sara Dreyer quilt with quilts inspired by it, are at the Rhenish Girls’ High School Hall. The three satellite exhibitions are the antique quilt exhibition at the Textile Museum, the Fibre Art Exhibition at the Rupert Museum, and the collection of quilts from Slavic countries at Hazendal.
All ticket bookings for the antiques quilt collection and the Slavic quilt collection at Hazendal if combined with the Russian High Tea or Guided Art Walkabout be pre-booked here. Exhibition Tickets will not be available at the venues.
Great! As soon as you have booked your tickets and know when you are available, please contact the Committee Member responsible for the area where you would like to volunteer. If you have no preference, please contact the Registrar at ghqg.secretary@gmail.com.
Tickets for workshops, functions, accommodation and special events are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Click here to go to the ticket website.