March, 2026

h+h cologne

0 Add to wishlist2026fri20mar(mar 20)9:00 amsun22(mar 22)6:00 pmFeaturedh+h cologneInternational Trade Fair for Creative Handicraft + Hobby SuppliesIndustry sectors:Leisure, Hobby, DIY,Textiles (Clothing and Home Textiles, Technical Textiles)Fairs of these Sectors:Handicrafts & Gifts Trade Shows,Handicrafts Fairs,Handicrafts Trade Shows,Hobby Model Making Trade Shows,Hobby Trade Shows,Trade Fairs for HandworkThis event starts in.. Event TagsCologne craft market,Craft trade fair international,creative hobby exhibition,textile handicrafts fair,yarn and fabric trade show

Event Details

h+h Cologne
20. – 22. March 2026 | Cologne, Germany

Official Website: www.hh-cologne.de

h+h cologne logoWhere does the global business of passion and creativity meet? At h+h cologne, Europe’s definitive marketplace for the textile handicraft and hobby industry. This is where wholesalers, retailers, and leading designers converge to source the materials and trends that will inspire millions of makers in the year ahead, making it a critical investment for any brand serious about this community-driven sector.

Strategic Snapshot

h+h cologne is the central business hub and community heart for the global creative craft and hobby market. Under its new claim “Inspired by Crafts. Built for Business.”, it uniquely blends a professional trade fair for sourcing with the vibrant energy of a community gathering, making it the essential marketplace where industry trends are set and commercial relationships in this passionate sector are forged.

Why This Fair Matters in Germany’s Exhibition Ecosystem

As the international leading trade fair for textile handicrafts and hobby, it capitalizes on Germany’s strong tradition in manufacturing and its central European location. It attracts buyers for specialist retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and leading craft designers from around the world. The fair’s unique focus on community (“Die h+h Community”) creates a high-engagement environment where business decisions are deeply intertwined with passion, trends, and direct feedback, offering suppliers unparalleled access to the core of a dedicated and commercially active market.

Who This Fair Is For — and Who Should Skip It

Ideal for:

  • Manufacturers of yarns, fabrics, threads, haberdashery, and craft materials.
  • Brands of sewing, knitting, embroidery machines, and crafting tools.
  • Publishers of craft patterns, books, and magazines.
  • Wholesalers and distributors serving the specialty retail craft market.

Not ideal for:

  • Mass-market retailers or generic toy companies without a dedicated craft/hobby segment.
  • Art supply companies focused purely on fine arts (e.g., canvas, paints) without textile or craft crossover.
  • Businesses looking for a passive sales environment without community interaction.

The 3–5 Day Moment vs. the 365-Day Reality

The fair is the industry’s key annual ordering and trend-spotting event, where the majority of business for the upcoming season is initiated within a close-knit community. However, the craft market thrives on continuous inspiration and customer loyalty. A supplier that disappears after the fair misses the opportunity to fuel the year-round creative projects of end consumers. Sustained success requires empowering retailers with ongoing marketing support, new patterns, and educational content to keep your products at the center of the crafting conversation and ensure consistent re-orders.

Strategic Next Step

To understand how to transform short-term fair visibility into long-term market authority, read our guide: Building Sustained Trade Fair Visibility in Germany.

Explore the Ecosystem

Refine your German market entry strategy with our focused resources:

Time

March 20, 2026 9:00 am - March 22, 2026 6:00 pm(GMT+01:00)
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Health Guidelines for this Event

Temperature Checked At Entrance
Physical Distance Maintained
Event Area Sanitized

Messe Cologne Center

Messeplatz 1, 50679 Cologne, Germany.

Messe Cologne Center

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FAQ

h+h cologne

How does the new, more compact two-hall layout for 2026 benefit exhibitors?

The reorganization aims to create higher visitor density, improved foot traffic, and greater visibility for all exhibitors. A more compact floor plan makes it easier for buyers to see everything, potentially increasing the quality and quantity of interactions at each booth.

Is h+h cologne relevant for international brands outside Europe?

Absolutely. With visitors from 79 countries and exhibitors from 39 nations, it’s a truly global meeting point. The fair also promotes its “h+h americas” platform in Chicago, indicating a strategic push to connect the European market with North America, offering extended reach for international brands.

What is the "h+h Community" and why is it emphasized?

The community is the fair’s greatest asset. It refers to the tight-knit network of dedicated professionals and enthusiasts—from buyers and designers to bloggers and influencers—who are deeply passionate about the sector. This community drives trends, provides immediate feedback, and fosters loyalty, making business here more relational than transactional.

What is the key to success in a market driven by both trends and tradition?

Balancing innovation with authenticity. Buyers look for fresh trends, colors, and products that will inspire their customers. However, in a craft market, quality, reliability, and a genuine story (e.g., sustainable materials, family-owned manufactory) are equally important for building long-term trust with both retailers and the end-making community.

What is the significance of the new claim "Inspired by Crafts. Built for Business."?

This motto perfectly captures the fair’s dual nature. It reaffirms that the core inspiration is the craft itself, appealing to the passion of makers and creators, while clearly stating that the event is a serious commercial platform designed for professional business transactions, sourcing, and market growth.

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