How to quilt the Shoreline Shells quilt is a question I get often, so today I’m sharing my process and the details of how I quilted mine. I finished these quilts a while ago—both entirely pieced and quilted with my favorite thread, Aurifil—and I’m excited to finally show you the quilting choices I made.
The Shoreline Shells quilt pattern was originally offered as a Block of the Month (BOM) + quilt sew along in 2023. Now, you can purchase the full pattern bundle and get instant access to:
- Two different block options (circle or grid layout—or both!)
- All of the bonus content and videos
- Customization opportunities like adding a sea glass center
It’s like getting two quilt patterns for the price of one, with lots of ways to make it your own.
Let’s take a look at these beautiful beach themed quilts!
Ideas for How to Quilt the Grid Layout of Shoreline Shells
For the twin-sized quilt with the grid arrangement, I kept the focus on clean lines and consistency.
- Quilted just inside each shell using 12wt Aurifil cotton thread (color 2310) with 50wt in the bobbin.
- In the block backgrounds, sashing, and borders, I quilted vertical lines spaced 1/2” apart with 50wt Aurifil cotton thread (color 2320).
The result is a fresh, structured look that still highlights the seashell-inspired design.
Quilting the Circle Layout of Shoreline Shells
For the oversized throw version with the circle arrangement, I wanted the shells to pop with lots of texture and color. Here’s what I did:
- Quilted just inside each shell using a walking foot and 12wt Aurifil cotton thread in a variety of colors (2310, 2710, 2415, 6001) with 50wt in the bobbin.
- For the background, I quilted an echoing dodecagon (12-sided shape) using 28wt Aurifil cotton thread alternating in two colors (1158 and 2930) with 50wt in the bobbin.
These thread choices gave the quilt beautiful depth and a strong modern texture.
Ideas for How to Quilt the Circle Layout with the optional Shoreline Sea Glass Center.
If you love the idea of adding sea glass to your quilt, there’s an optional pattern available called Shoreline Sea Glass (sold separately). This foundation paper pieced (FPP) add-on includes:
- Instructions for making sea glass units for the center of the Shoreline Shells quilt
- Directions for a stand-alone Sea Glass mini quilt
For my queen-sized quilt, I used the circle layout and filled the center with sea glass units. I quilted:
- just inside each sea glass piece with coordinating 40wt Aurifil thread (colors: 1320, 4140, 2850, 4093, 2835, 1148, 5006, 2810, 4093, and 2715).
- for the background, I returned to the echoing dodecagon design using 28wt Aurifil cotton thread alternating in colors 2310 and 2318, with 50wt in the bobbin.
Before I quilted, I added a border to make this quilt 90″ x 90″, perfect for my queen bed.
Make your own Shoreline Shells quilt!
I had so much fun making both the circle and grid options of Shoreline Shells, experimenting with different threads, textures, and layouts. Whether you love negative space, bold stitching, or adding sea glass for extra detail, this pattern offers endless possibilities.
If you’re inspired to make your own version, you can purchase the Shoreline Shells pattern bundle here.
Want to see how other quilters brought Shoreline Shells to life? Be sure to check out the Shoreline Shells Maker Gallery for lots of inspiration.
I can’t wait to see how you quilt your Shoreline Shells!
