The Greater KC Stitch Off, hosted by The Sewing Labs, is Kansas City’s signature sewing competition celebrating creativity, skill, and community. Over six weeks, contestants take on six unique challenges designed to showcase their talent and craftsmanship, all for a chance to win cash prizes and earn the title of Stitch Off champion. With both amateur and professional divisions, this event highlights sewists of all levels while inviting the community to follow along, be inspired, and vote for their favorite contestants.
Ready to compete? Apply to be a contestant.
Stitching begins end of September!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does The Greater Kansas City Stitch Off work?
The Greater Kansas City Stitch Off will have 6 different challenges over 6 weeks starting in late September 2026. Each Sunday a new challenge prompt will be released via email to participants and social media. The prompt will outline the requirements, constraints, and submission expectations. The Sewing Labs will host Open Sew Workdays throughout the week at various times to give contestants space to work. Each contestant is required to attend at least 1 Open Sew Session. Each Saturday contestants will submit their projects along with any required photos and videos for judging. Contestants can also submit projects earlier in the week and do not have to be present for judging. Once projects are judged, they will be released for online viewing and voting through Givebutter, supporting ongoing fundraising efforts for The Sewing Labs.
What are the challenges each week?
The challenges will range from: Precision Sewing, Home Decor, Avant-Garde (non-traditional materials), Quilting, Sustainable Upcycling, to Signature Gala Eveningwear. The specifics of each week will be released on Sundays during the competition.
What is the difference between the Amateur and Professional Divisions?
The Professional Division is comprised of contestants who make their living through sewing, and the Amateur Division is comprised of contestants who sew for themselves as a hobby and passion.
I'm a beginner sewist, can I participate?
Yes, all skill levels are encouraged to join. There are no eliminations, and we want to see your creativity.
What are the prizes?
There will be 3 winners per division.
- Grand Prize - $5,000: awarded to the contestant who raises the most money through gathering votes for their work.
- Judge's Choice - $1,000: awarded by the Sewlebrity guest judges based on the technical skill and artistic merit.
- Fan Favorite - $500: awarded to the contestant with the most unique voters.
I work during the week, can I participate?
Yes, you can compete. You can work on the week's challenge anytime you are free during the week.
Do I have to compete in all 6 weeks?
Yes you need to compete in all 6 weeks to participate.
If I am not active on social media, can I participate?
Yes, you can participate. You are not required to post anything on social media during the competition. We do encourage that you post, if you are able, to help raise your votes and chance of winning.
Are materials provided for each week?
Depending on the challenge, some supplies will be provided. Contestants are able to pull from their stash or acquire anything specific they'll need to complete their project.
How does voting work?
Voting will be conducted through Givebutter. After each project has been judged and photographed, they will be uploaded to the Givebutter site for online viewing. Once there, you can view all of the projects and vote through contributing a donation. $1 = 1 vote. There is no limit to how many contestants you can vote for and how many votes you want to cast per contestant.
Is this competition just for quilters or garment sewists?
The Greater Kansas City Stitch Off is for all sewists.
Who will the judges be?
Our Sewlebrity guest judges will be released soon and have expertise in each week's challenge.
