by Kim Baird

Even the Modern Quilt Guild has some difficulty defining exactly what is a “modern” quilt. This visual essay highlights some of the differences between quilts made today that are considered modern as opposed to those considered contemporary in a more traditional vein. The more you explore these 2 aesthetics, the more overlap you will find. I do love the enthusiasm and excitement in the Modern Quilt group, though!

	Modern This is not a detail, it shows the whole quilt! Large blocks, asymmetry, and no borders.		Contemporary More colors, more pieces, and perfectly balanced central symmetry, with borders.
	Modern Only 4 large blocks, no borders, only solid colors.		Contemporary Same colors, but many more prints, multiple borders
	Modern Solid colors, plenty of negative space, and no setting strips between blocks.		Contemporary Smaller blocks, no negative space at all, and setting strips plus border.
	Modern A clean, modern, solid and bright quilt. Uses theme and variation color placement.		Contemporary Also made with large blocks and circular shapes, No color variation between blocks, and solidly containted by a border.