Transport yourself to the calming coastlines with the By The Sea Quilt – a beautiful, nautical-inspired quilt designed by Janet Houts for Andover Fabrics. This free downloadable pattern features soft seaside tones and a layout that evokes the tranquility of waves and sea breezes.

🧵 Pattern Overview
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Name: By The Sea Quilt
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Designer: Janet Houts
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Dimensions: 60” x 72”
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Skill Level: Intermediate
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Source: Andover Fabrics (Free PDF pattern)
This quilt is perfect for those who enjoy piecing larger quilt tops and working with soothing, beach-inspired color palettes.

📥 What’s Included in the PDF
The free PDF pattern contains:
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Fabric requirements
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Cutting instructions
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Step-by-step piecing guide
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Full layout diagram
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Designer fabric suggestions using the By The Sea collection
👉 Click here to download the By The Sea Quilt pattern (PDF)
🎨 Suggested Color Palettes
While the original version uses nautical blues, creams, and sand tones, you can get creative with the palette:
| Theme | Color Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Classic Nautical | Navy, white, beige |
| Tropical Coast | Turquoise, seafoam, coral |
| Rustic Shoreline | Earthy browns, driftwood gray, faded blue |
| Minimalist Beach | Soft gray, ivory, pale aqua |
💡 Tip: Add small ocean-themed prints like shells or anchors for an extra coastal vibe.

🪡 Creative Uses for This Quilt
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A cozy throw for your beach house or lake cabin
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A wall-hanging to bring ocean calm into your space
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A thoughtful handmade gift for ocean lovers
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A summer picnic quilt with a seaside touch
🧶 Tips for Quilting Success
If you’re a beginner looking to level up your skills or an experienced quilter who enjoys themed projects, here are a few tips to help make your By The Sea Quilt a success:
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Pre-plan your layout:
Lay out all your blocks on a design wall or floor before sewing to get the best color flow. -
Use quality thread and batting:
Choose a neutral thread color like light gray or off-white, and consider lightweight batting for a breezy drape. -
Press seams carefully:
Seams should be pressed open or to the side, depending on block construction—this ensures flat intersections. -
Add decorative quilting:
Try wave-like free-motion quilting or simple straight-line quilting to enhance the ocean theme. -
Label your quilt:
Include your name, the date, and a title like “By The Sea” on a fabric label sewn to the back!
💬 Final Thoughts
The By The Sea Quilt is more than just a sewing project—it’s a relaxing creative escape. Whether you’re sewing it for a coastal home, as a gift, or just because you love the ocean, this quilt brings charm, texture, and tranquility into your quilting journey.
Don’t forget to download the pattern and share your finished version—we’d love to see it!
