Riley Blake Ocean Waves - Downloadable PDF

Riley Blake Ocean Waves Quilt Pattern

Project Overview

The Riley Blake Ocean Waves is an advanced-level downloadable PDF quilting pattern designed by Eleanor Dugan. This quilt project produces a finished quilt measuring approximately 42 inches by 54 inches, making it an ideal size for a throw quilt or lap blanket. The pattern features finished blocks that measure approximately 6 inches by 6 inches, creating a structured and visually appealing composition.

Quilting Techniques

This pattern employs several essential quilting techniques suitable for quilters with intermediate to advanced experience. The design utilizes strip piecing methods, where fabric strips are sewn together with right sides facing to create the foundation of the quilt blocks. The pattern demonstrates precision cutting techniques that work with the design rather than against it, allowing quilters to sew along the design lines while maintaining accurate seam allowances.

A key technique featured in this pattern is strategic ruler placement and cutting. Quilters are instructed to position the ¼ inch line of the ruler along specific design elements—in this case, solid blue triangle edges—to cut seam allowances that extend ¼ inch beyond these lines. This method ensures consistent seam allowances on both sides of fabric strips while conserving fabric through efficient ruler movement and minimal waste.

Design Elements and Stitching

The Ocean Waves pattern incorporates rows of blue triangles as a central design feature. The quilt construction involves multiple rows of these triangular elements, with sashing (strips of fabric that separate blocks) integrated throughout the design. Quilters will work through sequential rows, moving from one solid blue edge of triangles to the next, maintaining the ¼ inch seam allowance consistently across the project.

All seaming is completed with right sides of fabric together unless the pattern specifically instructs otherwise. The pattern emphasizes the importance of maintaining a precise ¼ inch seam allowance throughout, as these measurements are built into all cutting and piecing instructions.

Materials and Supplies

This pattern requires quilting fabric in Riley Blake designs, specifically those featuring ocean wave motifs and coordinating solid blue fabrics. Standard quilting supplies are necessary, including a rotary cutter, quilting ruler, and cutting mat for accurate fabric preparation. Quilters will need thread suitable for piecing and quilting, along with batting and backing fabric to complete the finished quilt.

Skill Requirements

The Riley Blake Ocean Waves pattern is designated as an advanced quilting project and requires basic knowledge of quilting technique and terminology. Quilters should be comfortable with fundamental piecing methods, accurate seam allowances, and standard quilting practices before beginning this project. Eleanor Dugan recommends checking the Riley Blake Designs website for any pattern revisions prior to starting the project.