The Negative Space Challenge

Our next challenge: The Negative Space Challenge

What is negative space? In basic terms, negative space is the space around and between the focal point of an image, work of art, or quilt. In quilts, it tends to not only surround our quilt blocks but is often also a part of the blocks themselves. Negative space is often a key element of composing modern quilts, and is useful in defining the focal part or parts of a quilt. In quilts with busy fabrics or intricate piecing, negative space is also important, for providing the eye a place to rest and therefore increasing the appeal of a quilt in a subtle way.

Negative space can also be a key element of a quilt design. Rather than making a repeating block pattern, many modern quilters "float" a block or blocks on a quilt top using lots of negative space, or create various improv pieces that they then separate with lots of negative space. Take a look at the examples and inspiration below, and see how the negative space enhances each quilt...

1. Mid century modern house quilt, 2. Colorsplash 2012, 3. Star Light, Star Bright, 4. Baby Math Quilt Front, 5. ffa2 quilt top #1, 6. Warm Spring: Front, 7. Orbs Away, 8. Scrappy Stripes, 9. Triangulate, 10. John's Birthday Quilt, 11. Colorbrick Quilt, 12. Blue Wave Quilt Front, 13. Cosmos quilt14. Not available15. Not available16. Not available

Our next challenge will run through our January meeting, and the challenge is simple: make a quilt top using negative space. It can be a small quilt top, a large one, whatever you like. Bring it to our January meeting for the challenge. Feel free to work on your project at our Sew Days between now and the January meeting. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know!