What is Modern Quilting?

The modern quilting movement began in 1998 with fabric manufacturers introducing clear-toned, bright-colored fabrics. One of the first and most popular collections was "Gypsy Caravan" designed by Amy Butler. Near the same time, Denyse Schmidt introduced more contemporary quilt designs, such as her popular "Single Girl" pattern.

Then, with the increasing affordability of digital camera, quilters began to share their work on their blogs and sites like Flickr. Fresh Modern Quilts continues to be a popular site for modern quilts. And technology continues to be the communication tool for modern quilters. Through quilt-alongs, block of the months (BOM), tutorials, and the like, quilters stay in touch and keep abreast of current quilting trends.




Modern quilts can be defined by these characteristics:

Style and Design

• inspired by modern art and architecture
• simplicity, minimalism
• reinterpreted traditional blocks, called "modern traditionalism"
• alternative block structures
• lack of visible block structure
• negative space
• asymmetry

Fabric and Color

• bright
• graphic
• low-volume
• gray or white as neutral
• solid fabrics

Technique and Construction

• improvisational piecing known as "wonky"
• pixelation
• no borders, or borders are part of negative space
• quilting is by the quiltmaker, on a home sewing machine
• straight-line and organic quilting are common

The above-named elements can take a variety of forms and work in combination with other elements to create modern quilts.

At Central Florida MQG meetings, we strive to emphasize modern quilting in our programs and Show and Tell, and educate quilters about modern quilting.

Please print, complete, and submit this Show and Tell form when sharing a quilt at a meeting.