2022 Block of the Month Sew Along – September Negative Space
Negative Space!
The creative use of negative space is an important characteristic of modern quilts and is the theme for September’s 2022 Block of the Month Sew Along.
Negative space is an area of the composition that is left blank or appears to be left blank. When combined with the concept of minimalism this negative space can be expansive comprising a large portion of the composition. It is common practice in modern quilting to use the area of negative space to feature a special quilting design (by hand or machine) that can further draw attention to and enhance pieced elements. Secondary negative space is a more advanced concept in which the negative space itself takes on a design of its own.
Importantly negative space allows a place for the eye to rest away from the subject of the quilt. Keeping negative space as a feature of any quilt brings more focus to the subject while allowing the viewer to continue appreciating the work because of the “rest area”.
The following provides deeper insights and examples of how to incorporate negative space in your modern quilt design:
- From The Modern Quilt Guild member resources:
We hope you will consider negative space in your next quilt block design!!
Inspire and encourage others by posting photos of your blocks to MQG Victoria Facebook Group or on instagram with the hashtag #mqgvbom2022