Once you master the basics of creating a quilt block, it’s most likely that tackling a beautiful mini quilt or colorful throw quilt will be next on your list to make. For new quilters, quilting terms like “traditional” or “modern” quilting can seem vague and confusing when choosing their first large quilt pattern. If you find yourself wondering what defines a traditional or classic quilt pattern or what a modern quilt looks like, let us assist you with our brief overview of these quilting terms. In this article, we’ll do a quick dip into the definitions of these two styles of quilting, as well as how they sometimes combine to create unique and eye-catching patterns. Be sure to save this article to your favorites, so that you can reference it whenever you need it!
What Is Traditional Quilting?
Traditional quilting has a focus on classic block patterns, such as the log cabin block, featured in repeating rows and utilizing elements such as sashing, inner and/or outer borders, and cornerstones. According to Sewing Machines Plus, in their article, “Traditional vs. Modern Quilting – What’s the Difference?”, “Traditional quilts rely on a grid of regularly repeating designs, symmetry, sashing, borders, often complicated patchwork, and simple quilting.” This is the type of quilting beginners are most likely to encounter, especially if you start building your quilting skills by creating HST or QST block-friendly patterns such as flying geese.
Photography: Kelsey Whittaker for Ampry Publishing
Most traditional quilt and block patterns have a long history behind each block, so if you’re a quilter who enjoys incorporating historical elements into your designs, this type of quilting might appeal most to you. One such example can be found in our May 2024 issue, with Brenda Plaster’s Violet Farmer’s Daughter Table Runner Pattern. Made in a beautiful vibrant violet, this table runner pattern uses the classic farmer’s daughter block, whose origins date back to the 1800s. It’s important to note that color can give a traditional pattern a bright, fresh feel, so be sure to experiment with fun color combos with these timeless designs.
What Is Modern Quilting?
Modern quilting, unlike traditional quilting, eschews a traditional grid format in favor of experimental design, use of negative space, and improvisational quilting. Modern quilting took off in the mid-twentieth century and has only increased in popularity, as it allows quilters to creatively push the boundaries in what a quilt can look like. If you enjoy creating and designing your own patterns, or prefer more minimalist designs, modern quilting might appeal to you. There are sub-categories of modern quilting that include patterns such as art quilts, landscape quilts, and improv quilting, in which quilters can empty their fabric stash to create a one-of-a-kind design.
Photography: Kelsey Whittaker for Ampry Publishing
A delightful example of a modern quilt is Sophie Tarrant’s stunning Sea Glass Baby Quilt Pattern that graced our June 2024 cover. Sea glass quilting, in which the quilter uses small fabric pieces within the same color family, results in a unique ombre effect that resembles pieces of sea glass. This design fits the definition of modern quilting, as it does not follow a grid pattern and encourages quilters to play with color and shape placement. Sea glass quilting implements appliqué techniques to create its pattern.
What Is Modern Traditional Quilting?
Want to get the best of both worlds? Welcome to the stage, modern traditional quilting! According to Riane Mendardi Morrison in their article, “Modern Traditional Quilts: A New Take on Old Designs”, for Quilting Daily, modern traditionalism in quilting, “generally refers to any quilt that has a pattern, block, or design as its foundation, combined with one or more modern design elements”. Modern traditional quilt patterns often use a classic block pattern but play with different elements of the design to give an easily recognizable pattern a new look.
Photography: Ashlee Cole for Ampry Publishing
This combining of modern and traditional design can look like a historical pattern that experiments with scale, positioning (such as with certain wonky quilt designs), or use of modern color palettes. One example you might enjoy would be Janice Bailor’s Rainbow Dreams Plus Baby Quilt Pattern from our November 2023 issue. This pattern uses an easy plus block pattern in a rainbow of color that utilizes a grid design.
While there are many different sub-genres of both traditional and modern quilting, we hope that you’ve enjoyed our overview of what makes a quilt pattern fit into these two very distinct styles. What style of quilting do you lean towards most? Have you experimented with both styles of quilting? Be sure to let us know below in the comments!