Modern Quilt Group

If 100 quilters were asked for a definition of a modern quilt there would be 100 different answers!If you are entering a competition, the most important thing is to read the rules as no matter what we may think, the competition will be judged by the rules set.We need to remember that Modern Quilting is a style.Contemporary means what is happening right now but please ask the Comtemporary Group for their definition of a contemporary quilt.

In January 2014, the QGBI Regional newsletters contained an article about the American Modern Quilt Guild asking if Guild members were interested in starting a new Special Interest group here. This article is published here with full permission from Evelyne Wheeler.

Having looked at many quilters' thoughts on defining a modern quilt there are several things which always appear in their descriptions.First and foremost, like any quilt, a modern quilt is made from fabric and has three layers held together by stitching and finished in an appropriate manner. In general, it will not have any embellishments such as buttons, beads or sequins nor any other materials often used in textile art. It should primarily be functional and can be an original design or following a pattern. It can be quilted by machine or hand in a way which is sympathetic to the design.Not all of the following elements will be in the quilt, but a modern quilt will usually have at least one or two:

1. Minimalism or simplicity

2. Modern or bold colours in either or both solids and prints.

3. Asymmetry

4. Improvisation

5. Negative space or the popular emerging trends of double negative space when two colours are used in equal amounts.

6. Traditional blocks made modern by distortion and/or changing the scale such a single block filling a large space.

7. Infinite edge by using a facing or binding which merges into the quilt top.

8. Alternative grid layouts.

9. Maximalism often using bold modern fabrics in prints of various sizes.

We have chosen 8 quilts from the entries to the 2025 challenge of Quarters which we think represent these elements and, with the makers' permission, we plan to produce postcards from them.

Maker - Title of Quilt

Catherine Hunter - Josef's in a sunny quarter day

Cat Brown - Jazz Hands

Gill Howes - Round and round in Circles

Jayne Emsden - 4 Quarters SSCT

Jo Rycroft - Netball Halftime

Margaret Logan - All the roads that lead me home

Shirlie Collie - Where's my quarter?

Michaela Knight - 1/4" Line Drawing in Fuschia - Inspired by Hundertwasser

Our Members Quarters Challenge Quilts were displayed in the Modern Quilts Group Gallery space at The Festival of Quilts 2025. We hope you all enjoyed browsing the 65 entries on display!

View the Quarters Challenge 2025 Gallery here.

The quilts will now be on tour with ICHF during the autumn of 2025 and spring of 2026 at the following shows:

What does the Modern Quilt Group offer its members?

Regular meetings online : Connect with fellow modern quilters and discuss your latest projects at one of our many social events. These are held online to allow you to connect with modern quilters across the UK.

Annual Challenges : Participate in exciting annual challenges with a variety of themes. These are then exhibited at events like the Festival of Quilts and many other quilting shows throughout the UK.

Member Swaps : Exchange a handmade modern quilting goodie in our member swaps

Virtual Workshops : Learn new techniques and skills from expert instructors. Members receive early bird booking for events open to all and access to workshops exclusively for Modern Quilt Group members.

Exclusive Newsletter : Stay up-to-date with the latest news, tips and inspiration.

Vibrant Online Community : Share your work and connect with other modern quilters on social media

Ready to join our thriving community? Membership is open to all Quilters' Guild members. You can add the modern Quilt Group subscription to your Guild membership in 3 ways: