Northampton Modern Quilt Guild

Modern quilting is a term used by the Modern Quilt Guild (MQG), an international quilting guild founded in 2009, to define a style of quilting that has become popular in recent years. 

 

As the modern quilting movement started to gain broader recognition, quilters began to expand their knowledge and practice in this craft. Now, with more experienced and curious modern quilters than ever, the boundaries of what can be created with fabric and thread continues to evolve. Thus, modern quilters often define for themselves what modern quilting is.

 

The MQG describes Modern Quilts as follows:

 

Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. "Modern traditionalism" or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.

 

Quilters have been making quilts that can be described as modern for over a century, however,  the term "modern quilt" has come to be linked to quilts created in the 21st century as part of a recent movement whose popularity has been attributed to online communities.  

 

Each of our members interprets Modern Quilting in their own way.  Some quilters yearn for a finite definition of a modern quilt – and some rebel against the idea. We use the above list as our definition, knowing it may be malleable. Art, craft, and quilts are subjective, and modern quilting will always continue to evolve. We look forward to seeing where it goes next!