Clamshell Pattern Posted!
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Finally! It took a little longer than I wanted it to but, I just posted the patterns for the Machine Pieced Clamshell Quilt that many of you have been waiting for. It is called the Glam Clam Quilt and it’s available in both an 8″ or 12″ clamshell version. You can find them both on Craftsy and they are both free!
The 8″ is here:
Source: Glam Clam Quilt (8 via Latifah Saafir on Craftsy
And, here’s the 12″. Note: the 12″ is available to print out on both letter and legal paper. Letter paper is easier to come by. But, the templates on the legal paper don’t have to be taped together as much.
Source: Glam Clam Quilt (12 via Latifah Saafir on Craftsy
Traditionally, most clamshell quilts are sewn by hand. I have the highest admiration for those of you who love handwork but, I’m a pedal to the metal machine piecing kinda girl. So, when I wanted to make a clamshell quilt I knew I had to find a way to machine piece it. I’ve made three clamshell quilts so far and have two in the making and I must say, I’m sorta in love. I’ve got a reputation for loving circles and curves and so I guess it makes sense that I love clamshells too. Anyway, I looked and looked for large chunky clamshell templates and instructions on how to piece them by machine and couldn’t find any. So, of course I dove in to make my own. The main template Template D, is in itself is pretty standard. But, the most important templates are Templates A, B, & C. They are the templates that help you to build the top row on which all other rows are built. It makes the process SO much easier! If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll remember Template B as the thong pattern piece. You’ll know what I mean when you see it.
The larger the curve the easier to sew, right? Clamshells are no different. 8″ is small enough to have a variety of fabrics but, stay easy to piece. And the 12″ template just makes a fun bold quilt. So, you’ll have those two to pick from.
A couple tips before you get started:
- Be VERY accurate in your cutting. I’m speaking from experience here. I cut out EVERYTHING to make Neon & Neutral and it didn’t fit together! I wanted to cry. OK. I might have. Then, I just took a deep breath and re-cut out everything. So take your time. And, I found that it’s easier to be accurate with scissors.
- This is a pattern where 1/4″ seam allowance IS important! Thankfully, you can use your 1/4″ foot to piece this. While I say it’s important, it doesn’t have to be perfect – mine weren’t. Just try to be as close as possible.
- Pin, pin, pin. I am a self professed lazy anti-pinner. Don’t tell anyone but, Neon and Neutral was made without pins and Neon and Neutral II was made with pins and I must say II is much more square. I added tabs to the templates to make pinning and piecing easier.
- A lot of the steps in the pattern are about keeping the pieces in order and putting them together logically. It makes for a longer pattern but, it makes for a less painful quilt in the process.
Enjoy and please share your clamshell quilts with me!
Because of the pinning and sewing curves, this isn’t the quickest quilt to put together but, it is SO worth it. And, the 12″ goes together quicker and easier than the 8″. It is bold and fun. But, the 8″ is so great and lends to the ability to have a greater variety of fabric and to add more texture and interest in the quilt.
Enjoy!
