Modern Quilts Shine at AQS QuiltWeek

This past year, American Quilter’s Society (AQS) officially deepened our commitment to fully integrating Modern Quilts into all our 2025 QuiltWeek shows. Following a successful 2025 year, with plentiful submissions, AQS is excited to announce the continuation of the Modern Quilt category at all our 2026 QuiltWeek Contests.

THE 95 by Vicki Ruebel of Las Vegas, NV

This significant move reflects the growth in our Modern Quilting category.  By expanding this category, we are also ensuring the judging process includes those versed in the style of modern quilting.  Reflective of this commitment was the AQS QuiltWeek Lancaster show, where renowned modern quilter Christa Watson served on the judging panel. Christa expressed her enthusiasm, stating:

“I am thrilled that AQS now features a modern category in every quilt show. There has been a surge of modern quilt makers wanting to enter their work into quilt shows, so I think it's great timing! I love sharing my own work with others and especially seeing the work of talented makers, so I highly recommend it!”

Defining the Modern Quilt

OVERPRINT by Betsy Vinegrad of Short Hills, NJ

For those new to the movement, Christa Watson offers an insightful definition of what sets a modern quilt apart:

“I think of modern quilts as a blending of mid-century modern art and graphic design. Think clean lines, negative space (the interaction between figure and ground), and what are known as hard edges - where there's a clear delineation of seam lines or design elements. It's basically the opposite of shabby chic or a blendy, painterly look. Modern quilt designs usually feature crisp, well-defined geometric shapes with minimal embellishment. There's also a heavy emphasis on visual impact and original design.”

In essence, modern quilting champions simplicity, graphic impact, and the deliberate use of negative space, allowing the design to breathe. While traditional quilting often celebrates intricate piecing, blending fabrics, and detailed embellishment, the modern aesthetic leans into minimalism, strong geometry, asymmetry, and a focus on clean, decisive lines.

Looking Ahead

AQS QuiltWeek Contest - Paducah

By fully embracing the Modern Quilting category across all its shows, AQS ensures that its QuiltWeek events remain relevant, comprehensive, and representative of all high-quality quiltmaking today. We encourage all modern quilt makers to submit their innovative work and participate in the 2026 QuiltWeek shows.