Often I get asked “What is modern quilting?” What does it mean to call myself a modern quilt pattern designer? Modern quilting still uses the basics of traditional quilting but I think a modern quilt pattern plays by its own rules. Today I am looking into both Traditional and Modern Quilting to find the differences. You know a modern quilt when you see one! The Modern Quilt Guild defines modern quilting in this way: Modern quilts are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work.