Skip to Content

Top 9 Free Best Clamshell Quilt Patterns (+6 Bonus Patterns For Sale)

Clamshell quilt patterns, also known as Seashell, Fish Scale, and Sugar Scoop, hold a special place in the quilting world, offering a distinctive look that harks back to traditional quilting methods while still allowing for modern creativity and expression. These patterns, characterized by their unique, overlapping circular shapes, mimic the appearance of clamshells or scallops and have been adored by quilters for generations. Adding a clamshell pattern to your collection challenges your skills with its curved piecing and connects you to a rich history of quiltmaking. It’s a perfect project for anyone looking to blend a touch of vintage style with contemporary quilting techniques, resulting in a truly stunning piece that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to display.

Free Clamshell Quilt Patterns – Top Picks

1. Free Quilt Pattern: Easy Clamshell Quilt

Designer: Jenny Doan from Missouri Star

If you love to watch video tutorials, here is Jenny Doan from Missouri Star. In this video tutorial she illustrates how to make the Easy Clamshell quilt using a 5-inch square charm pack (precut fabric) and a Drunkard Patch Circle Template. She also uses the “Kaleidoscope” Floral Batiks 5 Karat Jewels by Wilmington Batiks. Project Finished Size: 59 inches x 67 inches

2. Free Quilt Pattern: Low Tide

Low Tide - free quilt pattern

Designer: Janet Houts for Andover Fabrics

Delight in the serene beauty of the Low Tide Quilt Pattern by Janet Houts for Andover Fabrics. This design, part of the By the Sea fabric collection, measures 60″ x 72″ and features oversized patches that beautifully showcase your favorite fabric prints. Ideal for those who appreciate the craft of hand stitching, this pattern allows you to create a tranquil, ocean-inspired quilt that’s perfect for any setting.

3. Free Quilt Pattern: GO! Beachcombing

GO! Beachcombing  - free quilt pattern

Designer: AccuQuilt

Enhance any room with the GO! Beachcombing Quilt Pattern from AccuQuilt, featuring swirling 8″ Clamshells that bring dynamic movement to the design. This 45″ x 45″ quilt captivates with its playful take on the traditional Clamshell pattern, making it an exciting project for those looking to experiment with shape and flow in their quilting.

4. Free Quilt Pattern: GO! Clamshell Cove Pillow

GO! Clamshell Cove Pillow - free quilt pattern

Designer: Ellen Ault for AccuQuilt

Refresh your couch with the GO! Clamshell Cove Pillow Pattern, updated and adapted by Ellen Ault of Handmade3D for AccuQuilt. This charming 16″ x 16″ pillow showcases the GO! Clamshell-4″ Finished design, making it an excellent project for practicing curved piecing while adding a touch of elegance to your living space.

5. Free Quilt Pattern: Quilt-as-you-go Clamshells

Quilt-as-you-go Clamshells - free quilt pattern

Designer: Rachel Hauser of Stitched in Color

Try your hand at the Quilt-as-you-go Clamshells Quilt Pattern by Rachel Hauser of Stitched in Color, designed as a throw-size quilt. This pattern employs a quilt-as-you-go (QAYG) technique, making the process manageable and enjoyable. It includes a step-by-step tutorial with photos to guide you through each stage, ensuring you can easily follow along and create a beautiful piece.

6. Free Quilt Pattern: GO! Mermaid Clamshells

GO! Mermaid Clamshells - free quilt pattern

Designer: Suzy Webster for AccuQuilt

Enhance any space with the enchanting GO! Mermaid Clamshells quilt pattern, designed by Suzy Webster of Webster Quilts for AccuQuilt. This colorful 31″ x 31″ wall hanging features vibrant mermaids nestled among bold, overlapping clamshells. Utilize the GO! Clamshell-8″ finished die along with the GO! Mermaid King and Queen die to bring this magical underwater scene to life. It’s perfect for adding charm to a child’s room or whimsical home decor.

7. Free Quilt Pattern: GO! Sugar Scoops

GO! Sugar Scoops - free quilt pattern

Designer: AccuQuilt

Add color and playful energy to your crafting projects with the GO! Sugar Scoops quilt pattern from AccuQuilt. This clamshell quilt pattern finished at 45″x 45″, features a vibrant assortment of colorful clamshells that evoke the fun and variety of a candy shop. It’s perfect for quilters looking to bring a sweet, new touch to their collection.

8. Free Quilt Pattern: Scalloped Animals

Scalloped Animals - free quilt pattern

Designer: Alice Hadley for Gathered How

Create a playful quilt with the Scalloped Animals Quilt Pattern by Alice Hadley for Gathered How. This unique design merges clamshell quilting with captivating animal details, guiding you through paper piecing scallops paired with adorable animal appliqués. It includes a free cockatoo or frog template, perfect for quilters looking to incorporate a touch of whimsy into their creations.

9. Free Quilt Pattern: Whale Sighting

Free Quilt Pattern - Whale Sighting by Natalie Crabtree for Windham Fabrics

Designer: Natalie Crabtree for Windham Fabrics

Immerse yourself in the tranquil world with the Whale Sighting quilt pattern designed by Natalie Crabtree, featuring the Whale Tales fabric collection by Katherine Quinn. Sized at 63” x 77”, this quilt captures the gentle essence of a whale surfacing among softly overlapping clamshells in soothing blues and greys. It is ideal for creating a peaceful retreat with a hint of oceanic charm in any space.

BONUS Clamshell Quilt Patterns For Sale from Online Shops

1. Scallop Mini Quilt Pattern Bundle (PDF Download Pattern For Sale)

Scallop Mini Quilt Pattern Bundle - etsy

Designer: Jo Carter and Debbie von Grabler-Crozier

Enhance your quilting skills with the Scallop Mini Quilt Pattern Bundle by Jo Carter and Debbie von Grabler-Crozier. This collection includes three delightful quilt patterns: Panda Pop, Furry Friends, and Clamshell Cuties. Each pattern features easy-to-piece scallops and adorable animal face templates, including a panda, Frenchie, rabbit, owl, raccoon, bear, and lion. The bundle includes detailed instructions and hand-drawn illustrations, making it a fantastic stash-friendly project for learning clamshell quilting and appliqué techniques.

2. Scallop Quilt Pattern (Physical Pattern For Sale)

Scallop Quilt Pattern - etsy

Designer: Modern Handcraft

Explore the Scallop Quilt Pattern by Modern Handcraft, which is suitable for intermediate skill levels. This design emphasizes solid fabrics and negative space, making it ideal for beginners or those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics. Available in various sizes including Baby (39.5 x 52.5), Small Throw (52.5 x 65.75), Large Throw (65.5 x 80), Full (78.5 x 92), and Queen (91.5 x 92), it offers versatility for any quilting project. Start this pattern to create a modern and stylish quilt that is simple and elegant.

3. Clam Shells Quilt Pattern (Physical Pattern For Sale)

Clam Shells Quilt Pattern - etsy

Designer: Aunt Em’s Place

Clam Shells Quilt Pattern from Aunt Em’s Place simplifies the classic clamshell design using appliqued circles that are cut and rearranged for ease. This approach makes it a quick and accessible project, ideal for beach days or to bring a touch of seaside dreams into your home. With its modern flair, this pattern is perfect for using layer cake fabric collections. The final throw quilt measures 65″ x 83″, making it a cozy addition to any relaxing space.

4. Fruit Stand Quilt Pattern (PDF Pattern Instant Download For Sale)

Fruit Stand Quilt Pattern - etsy

Designer: Trisch and Jenifer of Everyday Stitches

The Fruit Stand Quilt Pattern by Trisch and Jenifer of Everyday Stitches, designed for intermediate quilters, stands out with its simple applique and paper-pieced accents that bring the fruits to life. Measuring 64” x 64”, this pattern employs clamshell blocks to craft the vibrant assortment of fruits featured in the quilt, adding a delightful freshness and charm to your quilting projects.

5. Letter Board Quilt Pattern (Physical Pattern For Sale)

Letter Board Quilt Pattern - etsy

Designer: Melissa Mortenson

The Letter Board Quilt Pattern by Melissa Mortenson is a delightful project that allows you to express your thoughts creatively. It’s perfect for gifting, featuring applique patterns for the entire alphabet, so you can customize your quilt with any message you desire. The raw edge applique technique for the letters and the clamshell blocks adds a unique touch to the design. With a finished quilt size of 58″ x 76″, this pattern is ideal for intermediate quilters looking for a fun and versatile project to showcase their skills.

6. Hydra Quilt Pattern (Download Pattern For Sale)

Hydra Quilt Pattern - etsy

Designer: Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilt

The Hydra Quilt Pattern, designed by Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts, offers a creative challenge for quilters at an advanced beginner level. It employs a quilt-as-you-go technique, making it accessible for various sizes, from mini to queen. Hydra’s innovative use of fabric resembling fish scales creates a textured quilt that’s especially delightful for mermaid enthusiasts. Whether using batiks, prints, solids, or a mix of them, the result is a visually appealing quilt that will bring joy to anyone who loves the whimsy of underwater themes.

Here Are More Clamshell Quilt Pattern Ideas For Inspiration

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Gotham Quilts

Photo Source: Gotham Quilts

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Lisa Hill

Photo Source: Lisa Hill

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Eye Candy Quilts

Photo Source: Eye Candy Quilts

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Gathered Makers

Photo Source: Gathered Makers

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Sunset Patterns

Photo Source: Sunset Patterns

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Blue Mountain Daisy

Photo Source: Blue Mountain Daisy

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Deborah Burville

Photo Source: Deborah Burville

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Latifah Saafir Studios

Photo Source: Latifah Saafir Studios

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Sew Farm Quilter

Photo Source: Sew Farm Quilter

Clamshell Quilt Pattern Idea from Heidi Aker

Photo Source: Heidi Aker

The timeless appeal of this classic design continues to captivate quilters of all levels. From beginner-friendly patterns featuring simplified clamshell blocks to more intricate designs that showcase the beauty of curved piecing, there’s something for everyone in the world of clamshell quilts. Whether you’re drawn to the traditional charm of vintage-inspired quilts or prefer a modern twist with bold colors and innovative layouts, the versatility of clamshell patterns allows for endless creativity. We hope this roundup has inspired you to explore the possibilities of clamshell quilting and embark on your quilting journey filled with curves and elegance.

Clamshell Quilt Patterns roundup  ILQF Pinterest