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Modern and Traditional Quilting: What’s the Difference?

Blog Post

20 Jul

One of the best things about being a longarm quilter is seeing the many different types of quilts that are brought to my shop. My customers’ quilting styles run the gamut from traditional to modern, and everything in between.

I’ll often use terms like “modern” and “traditional” to help my customers define their vision for the quilting of their quilts, but not all quilters know what these terms mean, or which category they fall into.

Traditional Quilting has endured for centuries and usually incorporates classic, recognizable blocks in symmetrical patterns.

  • Made up of repeated blocks in orderly rows
  • Uniform sashing between blocks and borders
  • Symmetrical patterns with various combinations of both simple and complex blocks
  • Utilize traditional fabrics
  • Lack of negative space
  • Incorporates “tried and true” blocks such as Log Cabin, Nine Patch, and Flying Geese
  • Quilting tends to be more uniform

Modern Quilting is a newer quilting style that has exploded in popularity and triggered an interest in quilting among younger quilters.

  • Less reliance on uniform designs, blocks, and layout
  • Experimental, improvisational techniques and designs that don’t follow any rules
  • Minimalist designs that often incorporate negative space
  • Often use bold colors, solids, and modern fabrics for high-contrast pops of color
  • Asymmetrical designs with blocks that continue beyond the quilt’s edge
  • Quilting can be symmetrical or experimental

Modern Traditionalism is a hybrid quilting style that incorporates elements from both modern and traditional quilting.

  • Combines traditional blocks and patterns with modern design elements such as off-center placement, large-scale design, alternate grid work, and bold colors
  • May combine multiple types of traditional blocks
  • Uses modern and solid fabrics
  • Utilizes negative space

Whether you’re a traditional or a modern quilter, or somewhere in between, my goal is always the same: to work with you to find the best quilting pattern that’ll complement your uniquely beautiful quilt.

Previous Post: « Traditional and Modern Quilt Guilds of Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties

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