From crisp, clean patchwork with perfect points to sweeping improv done without a ruler in sight, modern quilting can take on many aesthetics, from Modern-Traditional to Minimalism.
As a dedicated modern quilt show, QuiltCon divides its contest into categories that highlight different aspects of modern design and construction, but few other shows are this specific.
Happily, more mainstream quilt shows are embracing modern quilting with a category focused on modern quilts. But these shows blend all quilts with a modern aesthetic so that a sleek minimalist design may sit next to a bold piece of improv. So, in practical terms, what does an entire Modern category look like at a mainstream quilt show that includes traditional and art quilts alongside Modern?
In September, the American Quilter’s Society hosted its first Columbus, Ohio show, and today I’m sharing what the entire category looked like.
The Modern Category
AQS has expanded its Modern category to include every show in its annual lineup. Here is the category description for the 2026 shows:
Modern: Width 40″ to 96″; Length 40″ or more. Quilts using any technique that are inspired by modern design, often using improvisational piecing or appliqué and including bold colors, high contrast, and simple shapes on neutral backgrounds. Expansive negative space may allow the quilting to take the forefront.
AQS Columbus Contest Rules, 2026
Quilt Displays
AQS shows outside Paducah often have more room to display quilts, so the pipe and drape is set up with two or more quilts along a section of the back wall, with a quilt on either side panel. The chain in front of the quilts is angled, allowing attendees to get much closer and see each piece from the front.
Quilts From the AQS Columbus 2026 Show
The non-Paducah shows display quilts within each category by the maker’s last name, without pulling the award-winning quilts to the front of the category. To match this layout, I am sharing the images in the order they were displayed at the show.
Enter Your Quilts
Are you inspired to enter a quilt? Find the rules for the 2027 shows here.
5 Comments
Kathleen
October 9, 2026 at 7:29 amThank you so much for posting this incredibly diverse collection of modern quilts. I’m sharing your post with several friends who are fascinated with the creativity of modern quilts makers. I also appreciated you including the show’s category description.
Kathie
October 9, 2026 at 9:21 amLOVE!!! and no, not me. 😉
Heather K
October 9, 2026 at 10:17 amI always enjoy the process of asking “But IS this modern?” to quilts in the modern categories at multi-style encompassing quilt shows. I also ask that at Quiltcon but with the volume of entries, it is uncommon to answer NO there (to myself only). At other shows, it can vary wildly how I answer, and it has been interesting to see how that changes over time. Having come to quilting as a modern quilter, I probably have much stronger opinions and biases here, but it helps shape my own ideas and vision to think critically like this about quilts. This group seemed mostly modern to my eyes!
Mary
October 9, 2026 at 3:00 pmI must ask, are these lovely quilts ‘modern’ ‘improv’? Some look like traditionally pieced and maybe got placed in the wrong category? Of course, as always, they are all eye-catching, beautifully made quilts and are heart stopping. Thanks Cassandra for showing this lovely lineup to us.
franSak
October 9, 2026 at 11:32 pmThanks for the “quilt show”. I enjoyed seeing them all.