12+ Nautical Quilt Patterns Perfect for Summer Sewing
Nothing says summer quite like days spent by the water, sailboats drifting across the horizon, and classic shades of blue, white, and red. Here are more than a dozen nautical quilt patterns that capture that relaxed coastal feeling and make wonderful projects to sew during the warmer months!
Why Nautical Quilts Are a Summer Favorite
Nautical designs have a timeless appeal that returns every summer. Classic motifs like sailboats, anchors, waves, and stars pair beautifully with stripes, ginghams, dots, and other traditional prints. These patterns also adapt easily to different color palettes, from crisp navy and white to softer coastal blues, sandy neutrals, and pops of red.
Unlike many seasonal quilts, nautical designs don’t need to be packed away when summer ends. Their classic style works beautifully in lake houses, beach homes, and everyday living spaces throughout much of the year.
Easy Nautical Quilt Projects to Sew
Nautical quilt blocks aren’t limited to full-size quilts. Sailboat motifs look just as charming on baby quilts, table runners, pillows, mini quilts, and wall hangings. Smaller projects are quick to finish and offer an opportunity to practice techniques such as half-square triangles, flying geese, or simple appliqué.
If you’re looking to create some smaller nautical-inspired projects (rather than a full quilt), I’ve included a few block-only patterns in this list!
1. Stripey Sails & Stars Quilt Pattern
The Stripey Sails and Stars & Sails Quilt pattern is a Fat Quarter-Friendly, easy-to-follow sailboat quilt. It’s perfect for confident beginning quilters!
2. Little Skipper Quilt Pattern
Our Little Skipper Baby Quilt pattern features charming sailboat blocks perfect for a nautical-themed nursery or a handmade baby gift. This is a Fat Quarter Friendly Pattern!
Easy-to-follow instructions make it an excellent project for confident beginners. The pattern includes full-color diagrams and measurements for a baby-sized quilt.
3. “Seas” the Day Quilt Pattern
The Seas the Day Quilt pattern is a fast piece quilt pattern inspired by Nautical Flags. It measures approx. 52″ x 62″, which makes it the perfect size for a lap or crib quilt.
This quilt pattern is unique in that it uses a 10″ pre-cut stack of fabric (sometimes called a Layer Cake) and a bit of yardage. Using a pre-cut fabric package saves so much time when cutting out the pattern.
4. Yacht Club Pattern
Ahoy! This adorable Yacht Club quilt pattern by Amanda Niederhauser is just what you need to bring on those summer vibes!
5. Nautical Quilt Blocks
Mix and match a variety of cute quilt blocks with the Nautical quilt block pattern bundle by Nadra Ridgeway! Turn them into a cute baby quilt or other fun nautical home decor item.
6. Fish Quilt
Make a splash with this modern Fish Quilt by Allison Harris. Easy blocks and straightforward piecing make this a great quilt for any skill level. This quilt can be made with fat quarters or 1/4-yard cuts and comes in 3 sizes.
7. Nautical Flags Quilt
This simple block quilt looks like Nautical flags, but would be great in any fabric, especially with a mix of bright and low-volume prints. Recommended for beginners with some knowledge of cutting and piecing. This quilt also looks amazing with sashing in between the blocks! Quilt pattern Nautical by Allison Harris
8. Nautical Flag Quilt Blocks
You can use these Nautical Flags Block by Amy Smart to make a 20″ x 20″ mini quilt (or pillow cover) using the free printable pattern from Amy’s site!
9. Modern Nautical Flag Baby Quilt
The Modern Nautical Baby Quilt finishes up at 40″ x 50″, and while great for a baby quilt, it also looks darling as a throw or a wall hanging. Designed by Simple Simon & Co.
10. Sweet Sailing
The Sweet Sailing by Tasha Noel is a unique take on a traditional Nautical quilt pattern!
11. Ahoy Sailor Pattern
The Ahoy Sailor by Suzy Quilts is a free quilt pattern that you can find on their site. It’s a great way to show off some nautical novelty fabric prints.
12. New Castle Beach Pattern
New Castle Beach Quilt Pattern by Amy Smart is inspired by nautical stars, picnics, and a day at the beach.
13. Sailboat Quilted Bag
With our free boat tote quilted tote bag sewing pattern, you can learn how to make a charming quilted tote bag using two sailboat quilt blocks. Find the Sailboat Quilted tote bag tutorial on our site! Includes a link to purchase only the sailbaot quilt block.
14. Summer Block Party Quilt
A couple of summers ago, I hosted a Summer Block party with a few other pattern designers. The finished Summer Block Party Quilt is still available; you can purchase each block pattern from the individual designers (just get the ones you like best!). All the info is included on our site.
A nautical quilt is an easy way to bring the feeling of summer indoors. From colorful sailboats to classic coastal designs, these patterns celebrate long days, time on the water, and the simple pleasures of the season while creating quilts you’ll enjoy for years to come.
