Want to join a Quilting bee? A hands-on stitching experience around replica historical quilting frames, as enjoyed by previous generations as they sewed together.
29 Mar 2026
This event will feature talks, film screenings, hands-on crafts and a quilting bee. All materials are provided.
Get hands-on stitching a quilt around a replica historical quilting frame, as experienced by previous generations as they sewed together. Take time out in the stitch space or work together in the family craft corner. Through film screenings and panel discussions, hear from modern makers and experts who are passionate about quilting. Learn from them as they celebrate and share the history, heritage and skills of this rare craft.
Free drop-in activities:
Quilting bee
Time: 10:15 - 16:15
Location: Grand Gallery
Join in around the quilting frame to enjoy traditional community stitching. Experts will lead each frame so you can find out more as you sew. No prior experience is required.
Stitch Space
Time: 10:15 - 16:15
Location: Learning Centre
Develop your skills and enjoy solo stitching in a quieter environment. Bring your own projects or use materials supplied.
Family Craft Corner
Time: 10:15 - 16:15
Location: Grand Gallery
Get together as a family to draw quilt patterns and try out basic stitching.
Quilting on film
Time: 11:00 - 16:00
Location: Seminar Room
Watch archival footage and view photography of historic community quilting.
Panel discussion: Reframing quilting in Scotland and beyond
Time: 15:00 – 16.30
Location: Auditorium
Booking: Free, booking required. Book Here
Join a panel of experts to explore the vibrant social history and creative evolution of traditional frame quilting. On the panel will be Deb McGuire and Jess Bailey from Within the Frame alongside Helen Wyld, Senior Curator Historic Textiles National Museums Scotland.
Contributors
'Within the Frame', Deborah McGuire and Dr Jess Bailey
'Within the Frame' is a research collaboration between Deborah McGuire and Dr Jess Bailey.
Deborah McGuire (@plainstitchdeb) is a historian and hand quilter currently completing her PhD on 18th–20th century British quilt history at London College of Fashion.
Dr Jess Bailey (@publiclibraryquilts), Lecturer for Premodern Art at the University of Edinburgh. Jess is an art historian and hand quilter currently researching gender and Medieval wholecloth quilts.
Helen Wyld
Helen Wyld is Senior Curator of Historic Textiles at National Museums Scotland. Helen is responsible for our European and Scottish textile collections and has research interests in Scottish pre-industrial textile production.
Dr Ailsa Hutton
Dr Ailsa Hutton is Curator of Modern and Rural History at National Museums Scotland. Ailsa is responsible for our working and rural life collections and has research interests in craft production in rural Scotland.
Disclaimer:
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