Welcome to Contemporary Quilt
Contemporary Quilt is a special interest group of The Quilters' Guild of the British Isles.
We are a diverse group of quilters and fabric artists working at the cutting edge of quilt making creating innovative and dynamic art.
We are a diverse group of quilters and fabric artists working at the cutting edge of quilt making creating innovative and dynamic art.
The 2026 Journal Quilt challenge 'Beyond the Horizon'It’s time to refresh our travelling collection of contemporary quilts, and we have already been inundated with booking enquiries for next year. The current suitcase has visited over 40 quilts groups and been displayed at regional days, exhibitions and quilt shows. The exhibits always elicit delight, such wonder at the range of techniques, skill and ingenuity. So let’s show off what the Contemporary Quilt scene has to offer. Requirements Deadline: 1 March 2026. Theme: ‘Beyond The Horizon’. Size: A3 (16.5 x 11.75” or 45 x 30cm). A little smaller is OK, but no bigger please. Orientation: landscape or portrait. Technique: Anything goes as long as it comprises at least two layers of fabric joined by stitch. Finishing: To a high standard and edged appropriately for your design. The Suitcase Collection will travel for three years and be frequently handled (we provide gloves), so please avoid 3D embellishment. Please provide a 150 word (max) description of your design inspiration and techniques. What does ‘Beyond the Horizon’ mean to you? Far off, out of sight, or unknown? It could describe something that is distant or remote in relationship to space or time. Is it an event, a place or an abstract concept? Something to look forward to perhaps, to dream about, or a place you’ve never been. So many possibilities – I can’t wait to see what you come up with. We often get asked what makes a contemporary quilt, so we’d love to offer groups that hire the collection the opportunity to hear from a contemporary quilter, alongside viewing the exhibits. Would you be able to speak to a group near you? To register your intention to take part, or for any questions you have, please contact:
Sarah Rayfield: [email protected]. Slideshow of Journal Quilts 2024 - Hidden |
CQ Challenge 2026The CQ Challenge for members for 2026 has been announced.
The theme is Evolve. In case you are not familiar with the CQ Challenge it is a juried event open to all CQ members. The chosen quilts are exhibited at various locations in the UK in the subsequent two years, 2027 and 2028. It's a wonderful opportunity to show your work and promote CQ. Details can be seen here. Anne Tuck Prize
The Anne Tuck Prize is now £180 - this is a development opportunity for relatively new CQ members.
Anne Tuck, from the North East of England, was a teacher committed to bringing on new quilters. In memory of that, her family donated funds for a Prize after she died in 2015. Anne's work was a varied, imaginative and colourful inspiration for others https://bubbulles.wixsite.com/annetucktextileart In 2025, the Prize will be awarded as part of the CQ Challenge - Pathways See the Events page for information about members' exhibitions To send us information about your events and exhibitions please click here Photographing your work?Here are two helpful articles -
Tips on photographing quilts by Delyse Upton and Editor's explanation: reaching the right resolution by CQ's Newsletter editor Maggie Jarman And now for...the Sixth Suitcase Collection (2023-2025)
Bookings are now being taken for our new Suitcase Collection
'Beyond the Horizon' Please email Sarah Rayfield at [email protected] See previous Suitcase Collections here |
CQ Magazine December 2025
Links from the CQ Magazine December 2025Read an article from the December Magazine
The Use of Text in Abstract Textiles by Sara Showers 
|
|
| ||
See more photos from Diversity at Peebles here
|
CQ's collection of quilts for the ‘Diversity’ challenge has now been retired and all the quilts returned to their owners. Our next collection 'Pathways' is ready and will begin touring exhibiting sites in February 2026. If you know of a gallery with a good reputation for exhibiting textile art, please contact the CQ exhibition co-ordinator on their email.
[email protected] 
Jane Falls CELESTIAL LIGHT PATHWAYS
|
CQ Groups
Learn more about how CQ Groups work in this article by Penny Armitage about Exe Valley Group's joint work 'The Wall'
Website Banner image by Alicia Merrett 'The Thin Blue Line' first map quilt Alicia had made.
The Quilters' Guild of The British Isles
St Anthony's Hall York, YO1 7PW United Kingdom |
The Quilters' Guild is registered in England and Wales as a charity, no. 1067361 and a company limited by guarantee, no. 3447631.
The Guild is registered as a charity in Scotland no. SC043174. Registered office: St. Anthony's Hall, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW
The Guild is registered as a charity in Scotland no. SC043174. Registered office: St. Anthony's Hall, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW