If you’re into fabric, crafting, or just love poking around markets full of handmade goodness, then make sure you’re free on the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025. That’s when Threads, the much-loved textile festival at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, is back—and it’s going bigger than ever. Whether you’re a total beginner with a needle or someone who’s been sewing since the ‘70s, this weekend has something you’ll want to check out.
A market made for makers and makers-at-heart
Let’s start with the Market. Imagine two days of colourful stalls from more than 50 independent textile businesses—each one packed with everything from fabric and wool, to DIY kits and beautiful homeware. It’s the kind of place where you can actually chat with the people who made the stuff. Like, the actual makers. So if you’ve ever wanted to ask how someone dyed that yarn or printed that fabric, now’s your chance.
You’ll find:
- Gorgeous hand-dyed yarns
- Handy haberdashery tools (think buttons, pins, scissors)
- Fabric bundles and clothing
- Textile art and kits to make your own
It’s a good excuse to treat yourself—or finally start that cushion cover you’ve been talking about since last winter.
Free exhibitions for the curious and creative
Head up to the top of the 1912 Mill, and you’ll discover a whole extra level of inspiration. Literally. There’s a free exhibition space featuring work from groups like the Alwoodley Quilters and The Northern Society of Costume and Textiles. Students from Bradford College are also showing off their skills, alongside a very special interactive piece by Saba Siddiqui called Defiance My Way, which won the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 FUAM Graduate Art Prize.
And for families (or anyone who likes to make things on the fly), there are drop-in workshops all weekend. No booking needed, just wander in and have a go. Think glue, thread, and maybe a bit of glitter.
Talks that take you around the world (without leaving West Yorkshire)
If you’re more of a listener than a do-er (or just want to sit down with a cup of tea for a bit), the talks programme has plenty to offer. These are bookable in advance, so maybe don’t wait till the last minute.
Here’s a flavour of what’s on:
- Dr Rose Sinclair digs into the Caribbean story of crokus bags—what they were, how they were used, and why they matter
- Rebecca Devaney, a big name in luxury textiles, explores the glamorous side of fabric
- Artists from the Loops exhibition (more on that in a sec) share how they work with loops and fibre to create massive textile pieces
- Heather Audin from The Quilters’ Guild talks about amazing stories behind quilt designs from their collection
You don’t have to be a textile nerd to enjoy this stuff—just curious.
Hands-on workshops for every skill level
Fancy getting stuck in? The weekend’s packed with textile workshops, and there’s something for everyone—whether you don’t know a running stitch from a French knot or you’ve got a sewing machine with your name on it.
Here’s just a handful of the brilliant things you can try:
- Block printing a lampshade with designer Aidan Liggins
- Monoprinting on fabric with Victoria Merness
- Three weaving sessions with Sunny Bank Mills’ own Agnis Smallwood—from postcard weaving to making mug rugs
- Appliqué with Rebekah Johnston (no fiddly machines needed)
- Screen printing and stitching a wall hanging with Slow Hands Creative
- Clothing repair tips from Jo Wanner of Tråd Collective
- Wet felting with artist Henry Morris
- Stitched lettering with Rebecca Devaney
- Playful pattern making with Julie Hughes
- Abstract fibre sculptures with Jane Claire Wilson
- Decorative toadstool crafting with naturally dyed fabric from Ocre Natural Dye Studio
Whatever you pick, you’ll go home with something you made—and probably a smile.
Loops and tailoring: two exhibitions not to miss
It’s not just about shopping and making—Sunny Bank Mills is also showing off some proper textile art. In their Art Gallery, you’ll find Loops, a huge collaboration between three Dutch artists and three Yorkshire-based makers. They’ve been working together from miles apart, piecing together something beautiful that plays with cycles, circles and fibre.
And down in the Museum & Archive, you’ll find Tailored—an exhibition that looks at the craft of tailoring, showing how clothes used to be made and designed back when the Mills were pumping out worsted cloth. If you’ve ever been curious about pattern cutting or old-school suit making, this is your thing.
It’s not just a festival—it’s a full-on experience
As Dr Sarah Gaunt, Festival Director, puts it:
“Threads highlights just how enthusiastic people are about textiles—whether that’s shopping, learning or listening. We’ve programmed something for everyone.”
She’s not exaggerating. The visitor numbers keep growing year after year, and there’s a real sense that the team at Sunny Bank Mills puts a lot of heart into the event. And it’s not just happening in one building either—the whole site gets involved, from the Gallery to the Archive, the tea room, and all the creative businesses nearby.
So whether you’re a full-on fabric addict or just looking for a fun weekend out, Threads Textile Festival has something for you.
Quick details:
📍 Where? Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, West Leeds
📅 When? Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025
🎟️ Tickets? Most of it’s free—some workshops and talks need booking
🍰 Bonus? The tearoom’s open, and yes, there’s cake
Want more info? Check out:
👉 Threads Textile Festival 2025
Thinking of popping along?
