This is one of my favorite patterns. It is so simple, yet interesting to look at and to make. I hate to make repeated shapes. This was one of the very first where I added some beading to enhance the design. That adds sparkle. To sew on the beads, I line up six beads on my needle and sew them down all at the same time, in a line. Then I go back and couch the thread down about every third bead. That serves as an anchor and keeps the beads from moving. 

To make this quilt, the shells appliques are carefully jumbled up in a pile on the sand colored background fabric and fused in place. Then all the edges that are exposed get satin stitched with rayon thread. If you've never made a quilt, there are six free instructional videos here on our website showing me, Debora Konchinsky, demonstrating all the techniques you need to know to make this or any of our other patterns.

Later the beads are applied. The drawings are all full size and I did indicate where I sewed the beads on. There is a little bit of hand feather stitch embroidery with a variegated pearl cotton thread on the inner edge of the border. 

My quilt measures 13" high x 40" long. Yours could be a different shape. A lot of people have used this design for a valance over their bathroom window.

We have added color detail photos of sections of this quilt in both the printed version and the PDF version. When you order a PDF pattern, the download location will be sent within 24 hours of placing your order. 

Wholesalers need to order printed patterns.

We have How to Applique videos if you learn visually.  Watch our designer, Debora Konchinsky take you through all the steps to make a Critter Pattern Works quilt.