Ocean Inspired Quilting Design – Seashells & Waves

Here is a beautiful ocean inspired quilting design I’m calling Seashells and Waves:

There are many times that a free motion quilting design has come to mind, but when I quilted it, the design took on a life of its own. That is certainly the case with Seashells & Waves – so much movement, so much beautiful quilting texture here. Let’s learn how to quilt it together in this video:

This ocean quilting design looks amazingly intense and complex to quilt. But it’s as simple as stitching a wiggly line that loops on itself, then echoing that line to one side, then the other.

Such simple rules, but amazing results!

Difficultly Level – Intermediate. While it looks advanced, this design is surprisingly easy! It starts with a simple, curving foundation line that occasionally loops around to form occasional cursive letter “e’s.” All you have to do after you get the foundation set is to echo it! It’s really that easy.

Design Family – Foundational. These designs can be placed in complex areas of your quilt, but really they are far easier when you use them in large, open areas.

Directional Texture – All Directions. The texture of Foundational Designs is entirely dependent on the starting line, so make it as wiggly or as straight as you like! Because of the echoed loops, Seashells & Waves will always have a beautiful multi-directional texture.

Suggestions for Use – How about an ocean quilt? Seashells appliqued within sand colored blocks, with Seashells & Waves stitched throughout the sashing and borders. Sounds like a beautiful beach retreat to me!

Let’s go quilt,

Leah Day