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. |
