Ship Ahoy! Wall Quilt | a cheeky nautical make

After going big and beautifully scrappy with Mod Cabin Quilt by Heather McArthur last week, let us catch a summer breeze and sail into mid-summer with Ship Ahoy! Wall Quilt by Elaine Theriault.

By this point in summer, sailing, lakeside days, and water sports are very much on our minds, even if some of us are only enjoying the view from dry land with a cold drink nearby. Ship Ahoy! Wall Quilt fits that mood perfectly. It’s nautical, playful, and just cheeky enough to make you smile before you even start stitching.

skill level Intermediate
time A satisfying weekend project, especially if you’re new to paper piecing and want to take your time
ideal for Nautical decor, cottage walls, sailing fans, summer sewing, and quilters who want a small project to practice paper piecing
you will practice foundation paper piecing, quilting, stitch in the ditch, working with templates, and finishing a small wall quilt with a hanging sleeve
finished size 10” x 26” [25.5 x 66cm]

This pattern by Elaine Theriault was featured in Issue 60, our Inspired by Oceans issue. This dreamy nautical issue explores waves, sea changes, nostalgia, ocean imagery, and playful interpretations of life on the water through quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch, and creative sewing.

Here’s the project description from the pattern page. Elaine could not resist taking the liberty of creating a cheeky project instead of something more serious for this nautical-themed issue. If a sinking sailboat is not your thing, she suggests making the sailboat block only, adding a border, and turning it into a cushion or wall quilt. The two sailboats are paper-pieced, so the project comes together quickly and is the perfect size for practicing paper piecing if this technique is new to you, in a small bite. The pattern includes paper piecing tips, templates, and step-by-step photos.

Get Ship Ahoy! Wall Quilt here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/ship-ahoy-wall-quilt/

Get Issue 60 in print here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-60/

Get Issue 60 in digital here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-60-digital-version/

What makes this project especially exciting is that it offers a small, manageable way to build confidence in paper piecing while making something with real personality. It’s fun, fast, and perfect for summer decor.

Now tell me, would you make the full cheeky version, or would you stitch just the sailboat block and turn it into a cushion or mini wall quilt? I really want to know!

Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag quilting project I’ll share with you!