The Greater KC Stitch Off is Kansas City’s signature sewing competition and a major community fundraiser for The Sewing Labs. Over six weeks, amateur and professional sewists complete six different challenges that showcase precision, creativity, quilting, upcycling, home decor, and fashion. Projects are judged by guest experts and shared online, where the public can vote through donations. The event celebrates sewing talent at every level while raising funds to expand The Sewing Labs’ workforce and community programs.
How it works
- The competition begins in late September 2026 and runs for six consecutive weeks.
- Contestants compete in either the Amateur Division or the Professional Division.
- A new challenge is released each Sunday. Contestants work during the week and submit their completed project by
Saturday for judging.
- Challenge themes include Precision Sewing, Home Decor, Avant-Garde using non-traditional materials, Quilting,
Sustainable Upcycling, and Signature Gala Eveningwear.
- There are no weekly eliminations. Contestants complete all six challenges, allowing the community to follow their progress throughout the full event.
- After judging and photography, projects are posted online for public viewing and voting. Each $1 donation equals one vote.
Awards and community participation
- Each division includes a Grand Prize of $5,000 for the contestant who raises the most through voting.
- A $1,000 Judge’s Choice award recognizes technical skill and artistic merit.
- A $500 Fan Favorite award recognizes the contestant with the most unique voters.
- People can participate by competing, voting, following the weekly challenges, attending related events, volunteering, sponsoring, or helping spread the word.
