Riley Blake Swimming Sharks - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Swimming Sharks Quilt Pattern

Project Overview

Swimming Sharks is an intermediate-level downloadable quilting pattern designed by The RBD Designers for Riley Blake Designs. This quilt project produces a finished quilt measuring 56" x 58", making it an ideal size for throws, wall hangings, or bed quilts. The design features shark-themed blocks combined with skull motifs, creating a playful and engaging visual composition suitable for quilters with foundational piecing experience.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a complete quilt featuring multiple shark blocks and skull embellishments. The primary design element is the White Shark Finished Shark Block, which measures 10" x 10" when completed. The quilt incorporates coordinating blocks including Black Skull and Gray Skull elements that complement the shark imagery throughout the design. The finished quilt dimensions of 56" x 58" provide substantial coverage while remaining manageable for intermediate quilters.

Quilting Techniques Used

This pattern requires foundation piecing, a precise quilting technique that involves sewing fabric pieces to a foundation base to create accurate, intricate blocks. Foundation piecing is particularly useful for creating detailed designs like the shark and skull blocks in this pattern. The pattern assumes quilters possess basic knowledge of quilting technique and terminology, including standard rotary cutting, piecing with accurate seam allowances, and block assembly. The pattern notes that virtual block diagrams are provided as reference, though actual fabric may produce slightly different visual effects than the digital preview.

Stitches and Construction Methods

The Swimming Sharks pattern employs standard quilting piecing methods with ¼" seam allowances throughout all construction. Pieces are sewn with right sides together unless otherwise specified in the instructions. The block construction involves cutting strips at various widths—including 6½", 2½", 3¾", and 3"—which are then subdivided into rectangles of specific measurements for precise assembly. Border construction uses 2½" strips for Border 1, with 5 strips required for the complete border frame.

Materials and Fabric Requirements

The pattern specifies Riley Blake fabric selections for optimal color coordination and design cohesion. Required materials include:

• 1¼ yards (1.15 m) of blue main fabric in Riley Blake C5030 Blue
• ¼ yard (25 cm) of gold main fabric in Riley Blake C5030 Gold

These fabric quantities are calculated to include all necessary pieces for the shark blocks, skull elements, and border strips. Quilters will also need standard quilting supplies including a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, cutting mat, and thread for piecing and quilting. The pattern is provided as a free downloadable PDF, allowing quilters to print and reference instructions at their workspace.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

Designed for intermediate quilters, this pattern assumes prior experience with basic quilting techniques. The downloadable PDF format allows for convenient access and printing. Riley Blake Designs recommends checking their website at www.rileyblakedesigns.com for any pattern revisions or updates before beginning the project, ensuring accuracy and successful completion.